Winter Storm Kills 35 in U.S., More Arctic Air to Hit South
At least 35 lives have been lost due to a severe winter storm that has affected numerous U.S. states. The National Weather Service issued warnings for dangerous cold conditions from Texas to Pennsylvania. Wind chills in certain areas could plummet to minus -29°C.
On Tuesday, much of the country faced below-freezing temperatures, and northern Florida expected lows of -3.9°C. The brutal cold followed intense storms that deposited heavy snow across more than 2,100 kilometers, from Arkansas to New England, and left icy conditions in the South.
Tragic Accidents Linked to the Winter Storm
Several tragic incidents have been reported as a direct result of the extreme weather conditions. Notably, three young brothers aged six, eight, and nine, fell through ice on a private pond near Bonham, Texas. According to Fannin County Sheriff Cody Shook, the older boys were rescued but the youngest was recovered after an extensive search.
- Two fatalities occurred in Massachusetts and Ohio due to snowplow accidents.
- Teenagers died from sledding accidents in Arkansas and Texas.
- In Kansas, a woman’s body was found covered in snow.
- In New York City, eight people were discovered dead outdoors during the frigid weekend.
Warnings and Preparations
Kentucky’s Governor Andy Beshear cautioned residents about the risk of frostbite and hypothermia, stating that just 10 minutes outdoors could lead to serious consequences. Forecasters also predicted the possibility of another winter storm impacting parts of the East Coast this upcoming weekend.
Power Outages and Impact on Communities
Power outages remain a significant issue, with around 550,000 households without electricity as of Tuesday morning. Most outages occurred in the South, following the weekend’s freezing rain that caused extensive damage to trees and power lines.
- In Mississippi, at least 14 homes and 20 public roads suffered major damage.
- The University of Mississippi has canceled classes for an entire week due to hazardous conditions.
In New York City, neighborhoods saw snow totals ranging from 20 to 38 centimeters, prompting the closure of the largest public school system in the nation. Meanwhile, in Nashville, residents dealt with the harsh effects of the storm as many sought refuge in warming shelters after losing power.
This winter storm has marked a significant weather event across North America, bringing chilling temperatures and tragic incidents. As the arctic air continues to affect the South, communities are bracing for ongoing challenges.
