Warm Arctic waters are causing the polar vortex to stretch, leading to a severe winter storm that will hit much of the U.S. this week. With forecasts predicting bone-chilling temperatures and heavy snow, experts warn that the storm could rival a major hurricane in devastation. The cold push from the Arctic will meet moisture from the Pacific, resulting in crippling ice and snow across the eastern two-thirds of the country. Meteorologists highlight the impact of climate change, linking warmer Arctic conditions to the stretched polar vortex, which brings severe winter weather. This event will potentially affect over 250 million people, with regions from the Midwest to the Carolinas facing treacherous conditions including freezing rain and significant snowfall. "additional_info": { "experts_quote": "Meteorologist Ryan Maue states that people are underestimating the severity of the upcoming storm.", "predicted_temperatures": "Temperatures could drop as low as -30°F in some areas, with significant snowfall expected in the Ozarks, Tennessee, and Ohio valleys." }