As temperatures continue to plummet across parts of the United States this weekend, millions of Americans are bracing themselves for bone-chilling cold and icy conditions. The bitter blast of Arctic air has already resulted in over 60 weather-related deaths, with the toll expected to rise as dangerous winter weather persists.
Heavy snowfall in the Northeast and Midwest has left roadways dangerously slick, prompting warnings from forecasters about hazardous driving conditions. In Mississippi, two additional deaths were reported in a highway incident, bringing the state’s death toll to at least eight people due to harsh road conditions and extreme cold.
The frigid temperatures have forced emergency officials to caution against the risks of frostbite and hypothermia from prolonged outdoor exposure. Areas like Minneapolis, Chicago, and St. Louis are expected to experience single-digit temperatures, with wind chills making it feel as low as minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit in some parts of the northern Plains.
In Baltimore, high winds have made temperatures feel like the double digits, creating challenges for football fans attending playoff games in freezing conditions. Similarly, ahead of the game between the Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills, fans in Buffalo were called upon to help clear snow from the stadium, with the promise of earning $20 an hour for their efforts.
Cities in the South like Atlanta and Nashville are also experiencing unusually cold temperatures, with wind chills making it feel like the teens and below zero Fahrenheit, respectively. The Great Lakes region continues to face perilous travel conditions as snow showers are expected to redevelop in parts of Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois.
Meanwhile, Northern California is bracing for heavy rain, while in Portland, Oregon, thousands of residents are still without power following freezing rain. Oregon has reported nine weather-related deaths, including a tragic incident where three people were killed by a downed power line, prompting a young woman to rescue a 9-month-old baby.
Despite the severe conditions, forecasters predict that the cold snap will begin to ease after the weekend as Arctic air from Canada diminishes. A gradual warm-up is forecasted for the middle of the country, offering some respite from the extreme cold gripping the nation.