Climate researchers are sounding the alarm on a polar vortex that’s predicted to sweep through the U.S.’ east coast later this month and inflict one of the harshest winters in years, The Washington Post reported. Judah Cohen, a researcher from Atmospheric and Environmental Research, told the outlet his climate models indicate a vortex is likely to hit in late December or early January. A polar vortex disruption occurs when the stratosphere – where most weather occurs – suddenly warms, causing winds to decrease or change direction. Last year a vortex that originated in Eurasia swept eastern North America, causing windstorms that lasted weeks. “The longer it takes to happen, the bigger chance we have of a warmer winter,” Cohen said.

Source: Fox News December 18, 2018 10:36 UTC