A disruptive polar vortex is set to usher in three successive waves of Arctic air across the central and eastern United States through mid-December, bringing dangerously low temperatures and the potential for heavy snow.

According to forecasts from AccuWeather , the first wave of cold began sweeping through the Midwest earlier this week, with subzero temperatures forecast for states including North Dakota , Minnesota , Iowa and Nebraska .

Meteorologists expect a second and third Arctic blast to follow over the next two weeks, bringing hazardous travel conditions and increased energy demands.

"The polar vortex is particularly disruptive this winter," Rick Shema, consulting member of the Association of Certified Meteorologists, told Newsweek in an email.

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