A strong polar vortex in the stratosphere has brought subzero temperatures to the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and deep into the South.

Winter is making its presence known in New York City, as the polar vortex is bringing brutally cold temperatures to the Tri-State area. But is relief on the way?

A polar vortex is slated to sweep most of the continental US bringing winter storm warnings and a hazardous freeze to millions.

A blast of Arctic air is set to cover much of the United States with temperatures below freezing starting on Friday and into next week, impacting millions of Americans in nearly all of the contiguous states.

Despite a cold start to the day, most of the U.S. will experience seasonably mild temperatures on Thursday. However, dangerous changes are on the way as a polar vortex tightens its grip on the nation as sends temperatures tumbling below freezing starting this weekend.

In Indiana, around zero degrees was likely, the map showed, with temperatures of around three degrees possible in Northern Maine. Northern Georgia would see temperatures around 16, and in Colorado, the map showed that some areas would see -9.