CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – The recent winter weather sweeping across the United States has claimed at least 83 lives, according to a CBS News tally. Among the reported fatalities, the Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed 19 deaths, while Oregon officials have confirmed 16, including three adults who were killed when a tree fell on their car. The harsh weather conditions have also led to deaths in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Washington, Kentucky, Wisconsin, New York, and New Jersey, among other states.
Several deaths are currently under investigation to determine if they are weather-related. These include a person who died in a car crash in Kentucky and four deaths in Illinois, two of which were caused by a car accident. With the deep freeze continuing to pose dangers, some states have issued warnings to drivers to exercise caution while on the roads. Mississippi has advised residents to drive only if absolutely necessary and to be aware of the risk of black ice.
The extreme weather conditions persisted over the weekend, with millions of people facing below-average temperatures and dangerous wind chills. The eastern half of the country is predicted to experience some of the coldest weather of the season, with hard freeze warnings extending into Northern Florida. To stay safe in these frigid temperatures, experts recommend dressing in layers, using caution when operating devices like space heaters, and watching out for symptoms of severe conditions such as hypothermia.
Meanwhile, the West Coast state of Oregon remains under a state of emergency following devastating ice storms that left over 45,000 customers without power. Power outages have also been reported in Pennsylvania, California, New Mexico, and Indiana. Forecasters expect the snowy and icy conditions to last into early next week.
Meteorologist Molly McCollum of The Weather Channel warned that “Arctic air will combine with moisture from the Gulf to create an icy mess from Oklahoma to Illinois. Travel will be treacherous on Monday.” However, relief may be on the way as a warming trend is anticipated by mid-week. The Weather Channel’s forecast suggests that warm air and rain could lead to a risk of flooding in the Midwest and Northeast.
As the nation continues to grapple with the deadly winter weather, it is crucial for individuals to prioritize their safety and take necessary precautions.