Winter Storms and Freezing Temperatures Cause Deaths and Power Outages Across the US
Winter storms have wreaked havoc across the United States, resulting in multiple deaths and widespread power outages. The extreme weather conditions have affected both coasts, with brutal cold air descending upon the central and eastern parts of the country.
Tragically, at least 45 people have lost their lives in nine states since last week due to the coldest air of the winter season and the accompanying snow and ice storms. Oregon has been particularly hard hit, experiencing back-to-back ice storms that have caused extensive damage to trees and power lines. The situation has worsened with a third storm impacting the area.
In the Portland, Oregon area alone, 10 people have tragically lost their lives due to the storms and freezing temperatures since Friday. On Wednesday, three individuals were killed when a tree branch knocked down a live power line, which fell onto their vehicle. The Portland Fire officials explained that the victims became part of an active electrical circuit when they exited their SUV, resulting in their deaths.
Amidst the devastating circumstances, there have been acts of bravery and heroism. A good Samaritan rescued a baby from the street, taking the child away from an adult lying in the street for their safety. The Portland Fire praised the Samaritan for their quick thinking and selflessness.
Although the ice storm responsible for much of the destruction in the Northwest has moved on, another storm is already making its way into the region. Freezing rain has once again blanketed lower elevations in Washington and Oregon, with heavy snowfall in portions of the Cascades. The relentless freezing rain is expected to continue into Friday, further building up ice on trees and posing a risk of additional damage to power lines. As a result, more than 45,000 homes and businesses in Washington and Oregon remain without power.
Simultaneously, another snowstorm is expected to affect the Midwest and East. This storm is the result of two pieces of atmospheric energy colliding, one of which can be traced back to the deadly ice storm that hit the Northwest earlier this week. Snowfall is predicted to begin as early as Thursday night in Chicago, reaching the interior Northeast and central Appalachians by Friday morning. The Mississippi Valley will also experience a wintry mix, including freezing rain and snow, making travel treacherous in parts of Arkansas and Mississippi.
Cities in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, which had recently broken record-long snow droughts from an earlier storm, will once again see light-to-moderate snowfall. Accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are expected from the Midwest to the East, with some areas along the Appalachians and the coast potentially receiving up to half a foot of snow by Friday night. Philadelphia could see between 4 and 6 inches of snow, which hasn’t happened in over three years.
While this upcoming cold spell is not expected to be as severe as the previous one, it will still bring bone-chilling temperatures to various parts of the country. High temperatures will struggle to reach freezing in cities such as Oklahoma City, Nashville, Philadelphia, and New York City on Friday. Chicago will remain in the teens, while Minneapolis will stay in the single digits. Wind chills across the central US will plummet to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
The impact of these winter storms and freezing temperatures has been significant, causing loss of life and widespread power outages. Authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions to stay safe and warm during this challenging time. As communities come together to support one another and brave individuals perform acts of heroism, it is a reminder of the resilience and unity that can be found even in the face of adversity.
(Contributed by CNN’s Nouran Salahieh, Joe Sutton, Aya Elamroussi, Andy Rose, Sarah Dewberry, Raja Razek, and Jennifer Henderson)
