A polar vortex that hit much of the U.S. with ice and snow has dealt a glancing blow to Florida and its manatee population.

Why herds of manatees are huddling in water near America's power plants - A polar vortex that has hit much of the U.S. in a blow to the manatee population

According to an Associated Press report, the manatees are amassing around Florida Power & Light Company’s plant in Riviera Beach, where the company opened the manatee-focused attraction Manatee Lagoon eight years ago. Thus, the manatees are finding some salvation during a chilly spell in the Sunshine State.

A polar vortex that has hit much of the U.S. with ice and snow has dealt a glancing blow to Florida and its manatee population.

A drop in coastal water temperatures in Florida due to a recent polar vortex has caused manatees to search for warmer waters. A polar vortex event in Florida may result from climate change, which is likely to displace various marine animals like manatees.