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Winter Storm Death Toll Rises to 14 Across Central and Eastern US
The powerful winter storms sweeping through the central and eastern United States have claimed at least 14 lives, according to officials, as floods, gale-force winds, and freezing temperatures wreak havoc across the region.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued dire warnings on Monday, stating that a winter storm system carrying Arctic air is expected to cause “record cold” with wind chills potentially plummeting to as low as -60°F (-51°C) in states like Montana and North Dakota.
Death Toll Rises as Kentucky Reports 12 Victims
Kentucky has been hit particularly hard, with Governor Andy Beshear announcing that the death toll in the state has increased to 12, up from 8 a day earlier. Most of the victims drowned when floodwaters rapidly overtook their vehicles. Among the fatalities was a mother and her child, trapped by rising waters.
The state’s emergency responders have been working tirelessly, rescuing over 1,000 people in just 24 hours. Despite this, the governor urged residents to stay off the roads, as authorities continue to deal with widespread flooding and damage.
In addition to Kentucky, other states have been impacted. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed at least one fatality in his state and warned that further flooding is expected. The storm also claimed the life of one person in Atlanta, Georgia, when an “extremely large” tree fell on their home early Sunday morning.
Widespread Power Outages Across the Affected States
The storm’s reach has also disrupted power across multiple states. Although power has been restored to many homes, more than 50,000 customers remained without electricity in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland by Monday, according to PowerOutage.us.
The NWS further warned that the bitter cold from this Arctic front would continue to affect a vast region, including the central plains, eastern seaboard, and the Gulf coast. The intense cold temperatures are expected to persist in the north-central US before expanding further south and east in the coming days.
As emergency response teams continue their efforts, residents are urged to take precautions against the severe weather conditions.
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Sourced: AFP
