Cold temperatures strike parts of U.S.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Winter in western New York had been mild, calm, and bearable for the most part until frigid, single-digit temperatures struck the region this week.

High winds and lake effect snow combined with those temperatures to cause dangerous driving conditions across the area.  In Webster on Wednesday, the back wheels of a school bus slid off the road and ended up in a ditch with 60 children on board.

There were no injuries and the students made it to school safely.

The cold and snow is wreaking havoc across the country as well.  In Columbus, Ohio, a water main break quickly turned a road into a sheet of slush and ice.

Lakes in Vermont are steaming due to the severe cold weather there.

New York and Vermont aren't the only states dealing with single-digit temperatures.  The temperature in northern Maine dropped to 36 degrees below zero.

A ski resort in New Hampshire even had to shut down operations because the temperatures made skiing too dangerous.

The most important thing to do to stay safe in severe cold weather is to dress accordingly and don’t stay outside longer than necessary.