Over 100,000 Oregon residents remained without power Friday as a relentless Arctic blast brought ice, winds, and chaos to the U.S. Northwest. Portland General Electric, the state's largest utility, called the situation a 'historic challenge' as crews scrambled to restore electricity.
Freeze, Fallout, and Tragedy
The storm's toll turned deadly Wednesday when a downed power line electrocuted three people in a parked car. A baby miraculously survived the incident thanks to a bystander's quick action. 'This weather is relentless,' said one local, echoing frustrations as outages disrupted heating systems amid sub-zero temperatures.
Energy Domino Effect
The freeze triggered record-breaking natural gas usage nationwide and caused energy infrastructure headaches:
North Dakota oil production dropped 50%
A major Texas refinery shut down
Power grids strained under historic demand
State officials warn North Dakota's oil output may need a month to recover.
Polar Vortex Explained
Scientists link the extreme cold to climate-driven shifts in the polar vortex – a swirling mass of Arctic air that's increasingly slipping southward. 'When the vortex stretches like a rubber band, extreme U.S. winter weather becomes more likely,' said climate expert Judah Cohen. The phenomenon highlights climate change's complex role in creating weather whiplash: brutal cold snaps alongside global warming trends.
