In late January, a blast of Arctic cold hit the Midwest states in the United States, bringing bone-chilling cold to residents. The temperatures plunged to -50°F (-46°C), the coldest ever in 20 years. According to Reuters, the blast, known as a polar vortex, is a cold stream of air that spins around the North Pole. However, its current was disrupted, and pushed south into the United States bringing about the uncharacteristic freezing temperatures.

Millennium Minneapolis General Manager Mr Deepak Subbaiah shares about how the hotel helped to tackle the frigid temperatures.

The arctic blast was a major safety concern for our valuable staff and our guests. Being the coldest recorded temperatures in 20 years, people were at risk of frostbite on any exposed skin if outside for 10 minutes. We informed guests and staff who had to go outside to dress appropriately for the weather and provided alternative routes to get to their destination by enclosed skyway.

To cope with the frigid temperatures, staff were asked to remain inside unless necessary. We provided hot chocolate, coffee and water in the lobby for guests to warm up after returning from the cold.

Despite the cold, guests and staff still made the most of the sub-zero temperatures, tossing hot water in the air and watching it vaporise into snow.