Meteorologists warn that the coldest burst of Arctic air this season is coming to put an icy and prolonged exclamation point on America’s winter of repeated polar vortex invasions starting this weekend.

The U.S. is set to feel the impacts of an Arctic polar vortex next week, meteorologists have warned, with sub-zero temperatures possible across much of the country. Meteorologists explained that polar vortex intrusions are usually not disruptive,

We are tracking the return of the polar vortex next week as a wavy jet stream brings a blast of Arctic air to the Great Lakes.

Snowflakes started falling across the Willamette Valley this morning — dusting roads, plants and backyard furniture with white flurries. As cold weather moves across the state, much of Oregon is under winter storm or weather warnings from the National Weather Service through Friday.

Freezing rain and ice are likely to continue impacting roads until a widespread warmup midday Friday across the Willamette Valley. Latest updates.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for the Willamette Valley for snow and ice Thursday and Friday. Follow our live updates.