It's like "bomb cyclone" or "firenado." It seems like the sort of phenomenon that would be responsible for the record-breaking blast of cold, snow and wintry conditions that reached all the way to the Gulf Coast this week.

A series of cold fronts the last few weeks has kept Florida downright chilly, as another winter storm starts to take aim this weekend

"Polar vortex" sounds cool ... storms and frigid temperatures smacked a large region of the US from Texas to Florida. Snowfall and cold triggered flight cancellations and school, business and ...

A winter storm that is expected to begin in Texas next week could end up bringing snow and ice to parts of Florida.

A strong polar vortex in the stratosphere has brought subzero temperatures to the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and deep into the South.

A polar vortex that has hit much of the U.S. with ice and snow has dealt a glancing blow to Florida and its manatee population.

Frigid temperatures are keeping snow on the ground in parts of the South as some cities in the North report dangerously low temperatures. CBS News Pittsburgh's Erika Stanish reports, and Skyler Henry has more from Tallahassee,

Most of the U.S. will enjoy milder temperatures on Thursday, but the warmup will be brief as a polar vortex will send temperatures tumbling below freezing for most of the nation starting this weekend.

The polar vortex will soon elongate over North America with a dangerous cold moving into sections of Canada and the U.S.

The unseasonable chill that has swept through the eastern half of the US defies last year's mild winters and the South's typical warmth.

If you thought last week was cold, hold onto your hot lattes and be ready to bundle up as ( another ) winter storm is forecast to plunge arctic air deep into the Deep South by early next week.

"Weather connects people to each other and to places, and I hope we all saw a bit of magic and possibility in the world and in our neighborhoods this week. I know I did."