See how people are coping with the scary chill of the polar vortex

http://bit.ly/2RZPOeQ

See how people are coping with the scary chill of the polar vortex

http://bit.ly/2D4jywX

See how people are coping with the scary chill of the polar vortex

Lake Harriet in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Image: Kerem yucel/ AFP / Getty Images

By Chloe Bryan2019-01-30 16:42:29 UTC

Parts of the Midwest are experiencing the coldest temperatures in 20 years this week as the polar vortex takes hold. 

On Wednesday morning, it was -22 degrees in Chicago, with a wind chill of -49, according to CNN. In northern Minnesota, wind chills dropped to -65. Flights are being delayed and cancelled. The USPS has partially halted service. In some places, it's possible to get frostbite after only a few minutes of skin exposure.

On Twitter, people are sharing the polar vortex's wild effects in their own hometowns. There's indoor ice, boiling water vaporizing into the air, innovative winter-wear layering techniques, and (crucially) bundled-up dogs. In Chicago, commuter rail tracks were set on fire to keep them operational in the frigid temperatures. Things are getting weird out there.

#PolarVortex I opened the door to let my dog out and immediately felt like I couldn’t breathe. Insane. Watch your pets guys. Bring them in soon as they handle the business. My dog ran out and then looked back like are you kidding me lol ? pic.twitter.com/spgeaowx7T

— Loré (@villalore24) January 30, 2019

An extremely light morning rush hour.

Image: Scott Olson / Getty Images

The Chicago River is partially frozen.

Image: Scott Olson / Getty Images

Out for a walk.

Image: Stephen Maturen / AFP /Getty Images

If your region is experiencing these temperatures, minimize your time outside as much as possible. If you need to go outside to do the boiling water challenge, fine, but head back inside ASAP. And bring your pets with you!

Social Media

via Mashable http://bit.ly/2DCFv97

January 30, 2019 at 10:45AM