Arctic blast sweeps through US north-east with record-breaking temperatures

An Arctic blast has swept through numerous parts of the north-east, leaving millions of people under wind chill warnings and cities and states issuing emergency warnings.

Record-breaking temperatures will be 10 to 30 degrees below average over parts of the north-east and into the coastal mid-Atlantic, the National Weather Service announced on Saturday, with wind gusts potentially reaching up to 40 to 55mph (64 to 88km/h).

The wind chills from the blast have the potential to be once-in-a-generation cold, the agency added.

The cold, which is expected to last throughout the weekend, has prompted officials across multiple states to issue emergency orders and warnings that urge residents to remain indoors.

In Boston, the mayor, Michelle Wu, declared a cold emergency for Friday through Sunday as the city is expected to experience wind chills below zero degrees Fahrenheit over the weekend.

The city has activated warming centers at community sites as Boston police conduct wellness checks among residents while handing out gloves, hats, jackets and hand warmers.

In Southwick, Massachusetts, the arctic blast has been blamed for the death of an infant who was struck alongside a 23-year-old woman in a vehicle by a falling tree branch.

Residents have also been warned to not approach a hot stove or heater or use a heating pad, hot-water bottle or hairdryer as that can result in burns before feeling returns.

In New York City, what is known as a code blue weather emergency has been in effect as of Friday. That type of notice is issued when the temperature drops to 32F or less between 4pm and 8am, according to the National Weather Service.