Death Toll from Winter Storms in U.S. Climbs to 14 as Arctic Cold and Floods Ravage the Region
The death toll from powerful winter storms sweeping across the central and eastern United States has risen to at least 14, according to officials. The storms, which have brought devastating floods, gale-force winds, and dangerously cold temperatures, have left a trail of destruction in their wake.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued further warnings on Monday, forecasting a winter storm system carrying arctic air that would bring “record cold” to the affected regions. Wind chills in Montana and North Dakota are expected to reach as low as -60°F (-51°C).
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that the death toll in his state had increased to 12, up from eight the previous day. Most of the victims in Kentucky drowned after being trapped in their vehicles by rapidly rising floodwaters. Among the deceased were a mother and her child. Governor Beshear urged residents to avoid traveling on the state’s roads as local and federal authorities declared a state of emergency. More than 1,000 people have been rescued by first responders in Kentucky within a 24-hour period.
In West Virginia, Governor Patrick Morrisey reported at least one fatality linked to the extreme weather and noted that additional flooding was expected. He also warned that several people remained missing.
Meanwhile, a fatal incident occurred in Atlanta, Georgia, when an “extremely large” tree fell on a house early Sunday, killing one person, according to local fire official Scott Powell.
The NWS has warned that the cold system will continue to affect large parts of the United States, with temperatures plummeting across the central plains, the eastern seaboard, and extending as far south as the Gulf Coast.
Although power has been restored to many homes, more than 50,000 customers in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland remain without electricity, according to the website poweroutage.us.
As the storm continues its deadly path, authorities urge residents to stay vigilant and prepare for even colder temperatures in the coming days.
