A huge swath of the U.S. is being blasted by ice, snow and wind, as the polar vortex that dipped south over the weekend is keeping an area stretching from the Rocky Mountains to the coast of Maine in its frigid grip.
Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories in effect for parts of the region as snow, freezing rain and gusty winds cause travel issues across the mountains and foothills.
After temporarily hosting guests earlier this year, the First United Methodist Church of Gastonia has committed to hosting the Cold Weather Shelter to provide a warm place to sleep for unhoused members of the Gaston County community.