A frigid Arctic air mass is set to linger over a large portion of the United States this weekend, subjecting tens of millions of people to bone-chilling temperatures and treacherous icy conditions. Unfortunately, the number of weather-related deaths has already surpassed 60, serving as a grim reminder of the dangers that accompany this arctic blast.
Brutal Cold and Snowfall Across Northeast and Midwest
On Friday, heavy snowfall blanketed several areas in the Northeast and Midwest, causing roads to become dangerously slick. The plummeting temperatures overnight only worsened the situation, making travel hazardous for residents in these regions. Tragically, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency reported two additional deaths resulting from an incident on a highway in rural Leflore County, north of Jackson. While further details remain scarce, this brings the state’s death toll to at least eight people in the past week, with most fatalities attributed to road conditions and extreme cold.
Increasing Toll of Weather-Related Fatalities
Across the United States, the number of weather-related fatalities has now surpassed 61 as the wave of severe winter weather continues to wreak havoc. Tennessee and Oregon have recorded the highest number of deaths. Authorities have issued warnings about the high risk of frostbite and hypothermia due to prolonged exposure to the frigid conditions.
Bone-Chilling Temperatures and Wind Chills
Expect temperatures to drop to single digits in Minneapolis, while Chicago and St. Louis will experience temperatures in the teens. When factoring in the wind chill, it can feel as low as minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of the northern Plains. Moreover, Baltimore is also bracing for high winds that will make temperatures feel even colder, urging football fans attending the NFL playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans to bundle up. In contrast, Southern cities such as Atlanta and Nashville are also feeling the freeze, with temperatures dropping to below zero Fahrenheit due to wind chills.
Continued Perils and Outages
In the Great Lakes region, travel remains perilous as snow showers are expected to redevelop in certain parts of Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois. These areas are still recovering from heavy snowfall that accumulated up to 32 inches on Friday. Additionally, Northern California is expecting heavy rain, while thousands of residents in the Portland, Oregon area are still without power following another round of freezing rain.
Tragedy Strikes in Oregon
Oregon has witnessed at least nine weather-related deaths, including a tragic incident in Portland where three individuals lost their lives due to a downed power line. However, amidst the tragedy, a young woman managed to rescue a 9-month-old baby.
A Glimmer of Hope
Fortunately, this cold snap is expected to improve after the weekend. According to the National Weather Service, there will be no additional influx of Arctic air from Canada, enabling a gradual warm-up across the middle of the country, starting on Sunday.
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Source: NBC News