In such harsh conditions, authorities are warning frostbite and hypothermia could overpower a person in minutes
IT’S so cold in Chicago people are being mugged for their COATS as the US Midwest is struck with freezing temperatures as low as -54C.
Spurred on by some of the coldest temperatures in 20 years, the cruel thieves seem to be targeting Canada Goose down jackets.
The coats, made popular by celebrities in recent times, are proving even more valuable than their £1,000 price-tags as authorities warn the public in some areas they'll “freeze to death in minutes”.
The brutal polar vortex is set to unleash savage blizzards that will deliver Siberian-like temperatures to the likes of Minnesota, Wisconsin and South Dakota.
In such harsh conditions, authorities warn frostbite and hypothermia are a constant threat.
The brunt of the vortex will slam arrive n the middle of the week, according to US National Weather Service.
Chicago is one of the main centres set to really suffer.
Already blanketed in snow and with high winds forecast in the Windy City, it will feel like -42C on Wednesday.
Drivers are being told not to leave home without winter survival kits, while residents have been told to stockpile propane and firewood.
The city had deployed buses as mobile warming centres, the reports, and residents are being given tips of how to thaw frozen pipes.
AccuWeather's senior meteorologist Mike Doll told : "I cannot stress how dangerously cold it will be.”
Minneapolis meanwhile will be hit by lows of -34C, with a wind chill taking it down as far as -45C.
Minneapolis animal control officers have issued stern warnings to pet owners, saying any animals left in vehicles will be taken into "protective custody."
Caroline Hairfield, director of Minneapolis Animal Care and Control, told MPRnews: "That could mean that we break your window to get your dog out.
In classic tone-deaf fashion, President Donald Trump has pleaded for ";Global Warming" to come in and bring some warmth to the "beautiful Midwest" as local authorities scramble to prepare.
Officials have issued a travel alert for north-central and eastern North Dakota due to snow.
Those in the southern and central areas have been advised not to travel at all.
Some counties in Wisconsin have also reportedly set up warming shelters for daytime use for those who have not been able to stockpile firewood.
Atlanta is also expecting snows five days before Super Bowl, creating a massive hazard as fans flow into the city.
Forecasters say the mass of arctic air usually spins around the North Pole but has slipped southward and swirled into the Midwest.
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