Brutal cold blasts region

A surge of arctic air is bringing the harshest cold yet this season to the Midwest.  

The National Weather Service said in its forecast discussion that a “potentially record breaking push” of Arctic air will inundate the Northern Plains and Great Lakes by Wednesday, bringing wind chills as low as -40 degrees in many locations.

  The storm began Sunday, Jan. 27, with a swath of snow,  causing slippery travel and disruptions to daily routines across the midwestern United States.

Areas of snow and slick travel dotted the region prior to the early week storm as bitterly cold air remains in place.

Enough snow fell in the Springfield area altering and canceling plans. Local schools were forced to use a snow day Monday, and people had difficulties getting to work.