Polar Vortex’s Bitter Cold Could Cost US Economy $5 Billion, Though the Worst May Be Over

By John Roach, AccuWeather staff writer

AccuWeather-(ENEWSPF)- The extended winter freeze that so far has pounded entire regions of the U.S. figures to chill the economy, too. AccuWeather estimates a total cost to the economy of up to $14 billion, and while much of that will be recouped, up to $5 billion could be lost permanently.

The hit will occur across a wide swath of the economy, including business, school and museum…