A massive winter storm, driven by a southward dip of the polar vortex, has blanketed much of the U.S. east of the Rockies with ice, snow, and strong winds, causing hazardous roads, school closures, power outages, and flight cancellations.

Southern states, including Texas and Florida, faced unusually cold conditions, while Washington, D.C., saw heavy snow during the certification of President-elect Trump’s victory.

In Kentucky, freezing rain created dangerous icy conditions, and blizzard warnings were issued across Kansas, Missouri, and New Jersey, the Associated Press has reported.

Experts link the polar vortex’s increasing reach to a rapidly warming Arctic.

Written by B.C. Begley