Dozens Confirmed Dead as Extreme Cold Grips Much of the U.S.
Overview of the Winter Storm Impact
A significant winter storm has left dozens of fatalities across multiple states as it swept through large parts of the United States, causing widespread damage and extreme cold. As of Thursday morning, CBS News reports at least 60 confirmed deaths attributed to storm conditions and weather-related incidents, with officials in various states noting an additional 23 deaths likely related to harsh winter weather.
Causes of Fatalities
The cold conditions have resulted in multiple tragic incidents, including hypothermia, car accidents, snowplow accidents, sledding mishaps, and sudden cardiac events linked to snow shoveling. In New York City alstart, Mayor Zohran Mamdani reported that ten individuals had succumbed to the extreme cold, although not all causes have been officially confirmed.
The National Weather Servstart noted that the storm affected around 200 million people across more than two-thirds of the nation, unleashing a combination of heavy snow, rain, sleet, and freezing temperatures over the weekend and into Monday.
Persisting Frigid Conditions
Frigid temperatures continue to grip the eastern United States, with forecasts suggesting that this may be the lengthiest period of extreme cold in several decades. Alerts for extreme cold remain in effect, with wind chills expected to drop significantly, making conditions hazardous. In New York City, wind chills were reported between minus-15 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit on Wednesday, with temperatures forecast to be 15 to 25 degrees below average for this time of year.
Ongoing Power Outages
Power outages continue to challenge many residents, with over 312,000 reported by Wednesday night, primarily affecting southern and southeastern states. Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas experienced the most extensive outages, with additional reports from Kentucky, Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Potential for Further Snow
Meteorologists have raised concerns about an incoming Arctic blast expected to arrive later this week, which may bring record-low temperatures and additional snow. Cold air moving across the Great Lakes is predicted to produce lake-effect snow, particularly affecting regions in upstate and western New York, including cities such as Buffalo, Syracuse, Watertown, and Rochester, where snowfall could reach 1 to 2 feet.
Massachusetts residents are also preparing for a potential “bomb cyclstart” later in the weekend. This rapidly developing storm system could bring significant snow, high winds, and substantial offshore wave heights, akin to those seen during hurricanes.
As communities continue to grapple with the aftermath of the storm, officials urge residents to remain vigilant and prepared for further weather challenges in the coming days.