Our Daily Planet: East Coast Blizzard and South Florida Freeze

Each weekday morning, OurAmazingPlanet takes the pulse of the Earth, reporting on natural phenomena and exploration news from around the globe.

Big Dig: Much of the northeastern United States, especially New York City, is digging out from under the snow from the weekend's blizzard.

Florida Freeze: At the southern end of the United States, Miami is experiencing its coldest December in 115 years.

Blood Bank: In non-snow news, Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo is laying the groundwork for a blood bank for apes, which could lead to transfusions for gorillas.

Previously on Our Daily Planet: Northeastern Blizzard

Reach OurAmazingPlanet staff writer Brett Israel at bisrael@techmedianetwork.com. Follow him on Twitter @btisrael.

Brett Israel was a staff writer for Live Science with a focus on environmental issues. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from The University of Georgia, a master’s degree in journalism from New York University, and has studied doctorate-level biochemistry at Emory University.