Overview and Key Figures
At least 38 people from 14 states have died due to a severe winter storm that impacted central and eastern United States, according to local authorities and news reports by Tuesday.
Storm’s Development and Impact
The storm began to develop on Friday, dumping snow across a wide region over the weekend. The snow brought road traffic to a standstill, caused widespread flight cancellations and power outages before easing up on Monday. However, it left behind intense cold that is expected to persist.
- The storm started on Friday and affected multiple states over the weekend.
- Snowfall caused significant disruptions, including road closures, flight cancellations, and power outages.
- By Monday, the storm had moved on, but left behind freezing temperatures.
Impact on Major Cities
On Tuesday, cities mobilized emergency teams and resources to ensure the safety of residents, particularly those experiencing homelessness. Over 550,000 households and businesses across the country were still without power.
New York City was hit hard, with temperatures being the coldest in eight years. Mayor Zohran Mamdani reported that ten fatalities had been recorded, with most victims found outside. Around 500 of the estimated 4,000 homeless individuals in the city have been sheltered since January 19, with outreach workers checking on high-risk individuals every two hours.
Nashville, Tennessee, a city of approximately 680,000 residents, still had over 135,000 households and businesses without power. Temperatures were expected to drop to -14°C by Wednesday morning.
“Let’s be clear about what this is,” said Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell during a press conference. “It’s a historic ice storm.”
Fatalities and Rescue Efforts
In Bonham, Texas, three children died after falling into an icy pond over the weekend. The exact circumstances remain unclear, according to local fire department reports.
In Austin, a person died from apparent hypothermia while seeking shelter in an abandoned gas station. Hypothermia-related deaths were also reported in Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Michigan.
- Nearly 200 million Americans are under some form of winter weather alert until at least February 1.
- Meteorologists are monitoring another potential winter storm affecting the eastern US this weekend, according to David Roth from the National Weather Service.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is affected by the winter storm? The storm has impacted central and eastern United States, with severe effects in 14 states.
- How many fatalities are reported? At least 38 deaths have been confirmed, with more expected as the full impact is still being assessed.
- What are the primary causes of death? Most fatalities are due to hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning from generators, and traffic accidents caused by slippery roads.
- How many people are without power? Over 550,000 households and businesses remain without electricity.
- What is the expected duration of the winter weather alerts? Nearly 200 million Americans are under some form of winter weather alert until at least February 1.
