Vortex vexations: the cold weather concerns of US and Canadian cities

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/07/cold-weather-concerns-vortex-city-temperatures

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Each city has its own particular concerns when it comes to enduring cold weather. For New Yorkers, a functional subway is paramount, while in Toronto, they’re up in arms about suspended buses. One small town in Pennsylvania is anxious about missing out on a winning lottery ticket.

In addition to a general concern about keeping warm, these cities have other worries caused by the subzero temperatures sweeping the US and Canada.

Coraopolis, Pennsylvania

This small town not far from Pittsburgh is getting all sorts of attention for its bad habits. Desperate for essential provisions, residents are braving record-low temperatures in order to head to the local grocery store to pick up … cigarettes and lottery tickets.

You know what? The people of Coraopolis are going to be just fine. These are the kind of people who survive the apocalypse and then form a scrappy resistance that scours rival towns for PowerBall specials and scratch-offs.

Mason City, Iowa

As snow piles up in the midwest, leaving roads impassable, alternative modes of transportation must be sought. Thus, an Iowa man stole a snowmobile and led police on a wild chase until nearly 3am. Police also believe a second snowmobile was stolen.

This happened a few days before the cold hit, and we have to applaud the alleged thief. He might be a criminal, but you can’t say he doesn’t have foresight.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Canadian city was concerned about the state of their roads. Twitter users turned to each other to see if roads were slippery, and whether it was safe to venture out by car. While crowdsourcing safety warnings was a clever idea, one wonders about the wisdom of tweeting while driving on icy roads, and whether you should follow that person's advice.

@hfxtraffic are the roads still slippery out there?

Toronto, Canada

Citizens aren’t happy with the city’s decision to suspend school bus operations due to extreme cold. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) also cautioned that the city’s streetcars would be operating with delays. As Trendsmap showed, Toronto was less than pleased:

@bradTTC Saw NO buses on King this a.m. Streetcars were short-turning or not in service. Had to cab it. Unacceptable. #TTC #TOpoli @TTChelps

New York City

New Yorkers have a Mussolini-esque obsession with making sure the subway and regional trains run on time, and the first thing they think of when bad weather hits is how it will affect their commutes. Luckily, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) looks like it has things under control.

The socially-conscious are also concerned about the city’s homeless, whose numbers had skyrocketed to a population about 64,060 individuals by January 2013. (If you’re in NYC and see a homeless person in need of help, dial 311 immediately.)

And finally, fashion-conscious New Yorkers also tweeted the term “bundle ” extensively, according to Trendsmap – after all, it takes a certain talent to dress for Arctic temperatures while still looking stylish. As one local journalist asked:

But seriously, guys:

@liplipsass forget about cute, bundle up. It's freezing out there.

Newark, New Jersey

Wither Cory Booker? The former Newark super-mayor is now a super-senator, meaning he doesn’t have as much time to roam the city streets and shovel people’s sidewalks. In the blizzard that proceeded this blast of extreme cold, Booker was seen shoveling snow. But it’s clear he wants his former constituents to start taking matters into their own hands:

Thanks 4 the visit Brian but next time put down the camera & pick up a shovel MT @brian4NY: Cory Booker n Nwk #nbc4ny pic.twitter.com/ULFyEEMtxq

Sorry Newark, looks like you’ll have to learn to cope with the cold on your own. It’s not like Chris Christie is going to jump in and fill the void:

Yeah such a shame MT @erinlevine @GovChristie said i shouldn't venture on the roads so i GUESS that means i can't go to the gym.SUCH A PITY.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia relies on the northeast corridor’s extensive train network in order to connect it with other large cities like New York, Trenton and Washington, DC. Any delays in Amtrak service can really snarl commutes. According to the city’s NBC affiliate, this morning Amtrak trains were running on a single track along some lines on the Northeast corridor due to problems in New Jersey.

The Guardian’s Alan Yuhas, a native, also tells us that in this weather, Philly would ordinarily worry about how the cold might affect their quarterback, or hinder a opponent unaccustomed to playing outdoors. But the Eagles are already out of the NFL playoffs, so Philadelphians will complain about sports indoors instead.

Indianapolis, Indiana

It’s not only people that are being affected by the Arctic temperatures. Animals, from pets to livestock, are in danger too.

As the Guardian’s Katie Rogers reported yesterday, a power outage in area closed down shelters meant for both man and beast as temperatures plummeted:

A large warming shelter, established at the nearby Marion County Fairgrounds to take in both people and farm animals, is included in the power cut.

Working in temperatures of around -12F (-24.4C), volunteers have been forced to turn back those in need of shelter; the temperature is expected to stay below zero until Tuesday. Jim Burnett, one of the shelter coordinators in charge of gathering donations, told the Guardian that no people or animals would be admitted until volunteers can restore power.

Speaking of things that need to be restored: How about the US army’s dignity?

"Any clime and place" from Recruiting Station South Bend -12 out -39 windchill and 18 inches of snow on the ground. pic.twitter.com/xs70JgChRz

Have the people in your city been experiencing a particular problem? Have you witnessed anything strange or funny during the Arctic cold? Let us know by sending your original pictures, videos, and stories through our Guardian Witness tool.

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