A lot of America is in the middle of a deadly cold snap. Many states from the north to the south have freezing temperatures. This hasn't happened for decades. It is currently colder in some parts of the USA than in Antarctica. The cold spell is because of a polar vortex. This is freezing air and wind from the Arctic. The government has declared a state of emergency in Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan. Many schools and businesses have closed because of the extreme cold. People were warned not to travel, and even not to go outside or breathe in the icy air.
A weather website said that the temperature in one part of Minnesota fell to a real-feel -60º Celsius. Many parts of the Chicago River and Niagara Falls turned to ice. Parts of Lake Michigan froze over. The big freeze is responsible for the deaths of at least eight people. Health officials are telling people to go outside only if it is necessary. They warned that letting the freezing air get on the skin was dangerous. It could lead to frostbite or breathing problems. People were also told to be careful when shoveling snow outside. People should be careful of snow and ice falling from the roof.