Frozen Nation: Vortex Loosens Grip on US

The polar vortex has been far from kind to the United States, turning most of the nation into an ice locker.

Freezing air, blizzards, and whipping winds have created the perfect combination for frozen roadways, causing extremely dangerous driving conditions and leaving thousands of people stranded all over the country.

More than 7,000 flights were cancelled during the last two days. Three Amtrak trains were stuck in snow, leaving more than 500 passengers stranded outside of Chicago for nearly 14 hours until they had to be evacuated by bus.

Although temperatures are expected to rise above freezing by this weekend, officials are still urging people to stay indoors.