- Tennessee reported at least 25 fatalities.
- Power outages have affected ten thousands people across the country.
- Seattle reported the death of five people, most presumed to be homeless, over four days.
In the past week, ferocious winter storms have led to over 90 weather-related deaths across the US. Tennessee has reported at least 25 fatalities, and Oregon, still under a state of emergency due to severe ice storms, has recorded 16 deaths.
Large portions of the country continue to experience power outages affecting tens of thousands of people. Although icy conditions are expected to ease off in the next few days, a total of 92 weather-related fatalities have been documented nationwide in the past week, according to the source.
While Tennessee and Oregon have seen the highest death toll, other fatalities have been reported in Mississippi, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Washington, Kentucky, Wisconsin, New York, New Jersey, and other areas. In a tragic incident in Portland, Oregon, last Wednesday, powerful winds caused a power line to fall, electrocuting three people in a vehicle. Fortunately, a baby in the vehicle survived.
Other deaths remain under investigation, including that of a person killed in a five-car crash in Kentucky and four in Illinois.
According to the Associated Press, Seattle saw the death of five people, most presumed to be homeless, over just four days.
In Mississippi, officials have issued warnings for drivers to “drive only if necessary” and to “be aware of black ice” on the state’s roads due to the weather. The conditions have led colleges and universities in the state to delay students’ return from winter break.
On Sunday, the state’s death toll increased to 11 with the announcement of three additional deaths. Mississippi officials are investigating whether online rumors about potential storm-related water shortages prompted residents to store water in their bathtubs. This action caused a temporary drop in water pressure and dry faucets for thousands of residents in Jackson, the state’s capital, which already faces historic water issues.
In Tennessee, water issues persist, with 400,000 residents under a boil water notice due to broken pipes in the Memphis area, one of nearly 30 areas with similar warnings. The local utility reported fixing 41 water mains and over 4,000 water pipes due to the cold temperatures.
“Use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice,” the company said on X. “Tap water is safe for bathing and showering, try to avoid getting it in your mouth.”
On Sunday, reports indicated that restaurants and bars in the southern US city were using bottled water to serve customers, leading some to close or offer modified menus.
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