Polar blast hits U.S. Midwest and East

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​It's the so-called "polar vortex, round two." A brand-new winter storm is making its way across the country this week. (Via The Weather Channel)

Half the U.S. is expected to see freezing temperatures and snow storms as frigid air moves to the East Coast, where temperatures will range from 10 to 25 degrees below average. (Via CNN)

Although this storm will not produce temperatures as low as a previous storm did a couple weeks ago, the National Weather Service says it will last longer - - about a week. The agency estimates as much as a foot of snow could hit parts of the country throughout the day Tuesday. (Via WPVI)

Federal offices and schools are expected to close as winter weather advisories remain in effect. Many residents are being told to stay indoors. (Via NBC)

And in Chicago, a smaller storm dropped about 10 inches of snow overnight because of a "lake effect" as the moisture from Lake Michigan mixed with the freezing air. (Via CLTV)

Although the rest of the Midwest won't see as much snow as the East, wind chills will drop to 20 to 40 degrees below zero.