The new year is off to a frigid start as much of the country is gripped by an Arctic chill. The blast of cold air has hit the Plains, Midwest, South and East and is soon to be followed by another reinforcing shot of Arctic air that will last through the end of the week.

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Wind chills 50 to 60 degrees below zero were recorded in the Dakotas in the beginning of the week, while the coldest temperature was a reading of 45 degrees below zero in Embarrass, Minnesota, early Sunday.

At least 19 people have died as a result of the bitter cold. The National Weather Service as released wind chill advisories and warnings over a large area of the U.S., from the Plains and Midwest to the southern and eastern U.S. Wind chills as low as 45 degrees below zero in the Midwest and New England could lead to frostbite in as little as 10 minutes.

Many school districts have remained closed, extending the holiday break for children, due to the dangerous temperatures.