Winter Storm Jayden Update: States, Services Worst Affected By Polar Vortex

Several states have declared emergencies due to dangerously low temperatures as a winter storm, named Jayden, hit the Midwest.

The National Weather Service has issued warnings to a large expanse of states as at least 55 million people are likely to experience below zero temperatures due to the polar vortex. The agency has also warned people could experience frostbite within just 10 minutes of being outside in such harsh temperatures.

"The intensity of this cold air, I would say, is once in a generation,” John Gagan, an NWS meteorologist said, BBC reported.

With the coldest temperatures expected to hit in the next two days, here is the list of states and services that will be most affected by the extreme weather –

1. Illinois – With life-threatening -50 to -60 degree wind chills expected in Chicago, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation to the entire state and also warned residents about hypothermia. Several services were closed in the state due to the severe weather. Chicago Public School, Northwestern University, the University of Chicago and Columbia College Chicago canceled classes. Amtrak too announced that all trains originations to and from Chicago will be canceled. The U.S. Postal Service also suspended delivery for western Illinois on Wednesday. Several malls including the Cherry Vale Mall will remain closed Wednesday. Over 500 flights into or out of Chicago were canceled.

2. Minnesota – With the NWS forecasting -50 degree wind chills, several services including the U.S. Postal Service will be suspended Wednesday. This includes no mail pickup from businesses and residences in the state. The Minnesota History Center too canceled all the evening programs and announced it will close at 5 p.m. instead of at 8 p.m. Other museums including Mill City Museum, the James J. Hill House and Split Rock Lighthouse will remain closed. The University of Minnesota and other colleges also suspended classes. Though Gov. Tim Walz did not call for statewide closure of schools, several school districts including The North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District, Minneapolis Public Schools and Osseo School District suspended classes.

3. Michigan - The NWS issued warning informing residents of wind chills up to 40 degrees below zero. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a state of emergency and said keeping the public safe was the priority. The governor's office confirmed that all government offices will be shut Wednesday and that all state workers were asked to stay at home due to the extreme weather. The Michigan State Police will, however, remain at work. Postal delivery to West Michigan has been suspended. Several institutes including Michigan State University, University of Michigan and Oakland University have suspended classes. Many schools were also likely to be closed.

4. Wisconsin – With temperatures expected to tumble anywhere from -25 to -30, several schools, government offices and banks will remain closed Wednesday. Most public school districts and private schools including UW-Madison have announced closure. Apart from postal services, several shopping malls, theaters and restaurants will also remain shut. Ice Castles, a frozen attraction, and Madison city offices will also remain closed. Metro Transit buses and the State Capitol will, however, remain open.

5. Iowa – With temperatures not expected to rise above zero through Thursday, the U.S. Postal Service deliveries were suspended. Retail operations at local offices will also be limited on Wednesday and Thursday. The Iowa State University classes and university offices will be closed.