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Frigid blast sends temps well below zero in much of U.S.

Record-setting deep freeze caused airport delays in Denver. The arctic front moves east tonight, bringing frigid temperatures with it
Deep freeze moves east 01:43

A blast of Arctic air is moving east after punishing much of the country. Folks in Denver are doing all they can to protect themselves from the cold and snow.

Eight cities set record lows today including -14 degrees in Butte, Montana, and -25 degrees in Casper, Wyoming.

Ground crews at Denver International Airport were in full de-icing mode as the temperature dipped two degrees below zero, causing hour-long delays.

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Below zero temperatures are expected to freeze the air -- and the people -- all across the country this week. CBS News

Icy roads meant a treacherous morning commute. Josh Purcel was wistful for warmer days.

"A day and a half ago it was 66 degrees and within 20 minutes, it was 30," he said. "I don't think anyone could have been prepared for the sudden of a change."

More than 13 inches of snow fell in St. Cloud, Minnesota, easily beating the old record of 12 inches set more than 100 years ago.

As the arctic air heads south, time-lapse video shows an early morning fog settling over Raleigh, N.C., with forecasters predicting it will get colder there later this week.

Back in Colorado, temperatures could hit -10 degrees Wednesday night, the kind of night when it's actually painful to take a deep breath.

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