More than 70 deaths have been reported in the United States due to winter storms, with a severe cold snap persisting in central and eastern regions. According to NBC, people in eastern US are bracing for another winter storm by the end of this week, while a large part of the country was still dealing with the aftermath of last week's deadly storm, including snow and freezing temperatures, on Wednesday.
At least 73 people have died nationwide due to the severe winter storm that hit the country last week, including three children who drowned after slipping on ice in Texas. The storm has left behind snow and freezing temperatures, with parts of the country experiencing extreme cold. By Wednesday afternoon, 69 million people were under the grip of extreme cold, with the severe cold expected to persist in eastern regions until next week.
In Chicago, the wind chill made the temperature feel like -14 Fahrenheit on Wednesday. In Cleveland, it was -11, 15 in New York City, 19 in Nashville, Tennessee, and 22 in Dallas. Meanwhile, over 100,000 customers were without power in Tennessee and Mississippi. A deep low-pressure system has formed over eastern Canada, directing polar air straight into the northeastern and central US. This cold air will linger over the northeastern and central Atlantic regions for the next few days, where wind chill will make temperatures feel below zero in several areas.
Another low-pressure system will affect the southeastern region on Friday and Saturday, resulting in wind chill temperatures feeling much colder than usual in parts of the southern states by Sunday. Miami may see its temperature drop below 40 Fahrenheit for the first time in over a decade. This cold snap will be even more severe than the current cold and may break record low temperatures in around 80 locations from Friday morning to Monday morning. According to the National Weather Service, this period of extreme cold could be one of the longest in decades.
The New York City Emergency Management office said on Wednesday that there is a 30-50% chance of snow in the area, but warned that forecasts will become clearer in the coming days. Nevertheless, the office urged citizens to prepare in advance. It is worth noting that 653 US flights were canceled and 1,077 were delayed the previous day, and air travel remains affected after the snowstorm. American Airlines has offered its staff double pay for extra shifts.
