The United States is grappling with the aftermath of fierce winter storms that have claimed more than 90 lives nationwide. States across the country, stretching from Tennessee to Oregon, have been pummeled by severe weather conditions, leading to catastrophic consequences and a state of emergency in several regions.
The death toll includes at least 25 in Tennessee and 16 in Oregon, where an icy onslaught has left tens of thousands without power. The situation remains dire, with icy conditions expected to persist in the coming days, though some relief is on the horizon.
According to CBS, the BBC's U.S. partner, the total weather-related fatalities recorded across the nation over the past week amount to 92. The fatalities have occurred in various states, including Mississippi, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Washington, Kentucky, Wisconsin, New York, New Jersey, and others. One harrowing incident in Portland, Oregon, resulted in the electrocution of three individuals when a power line fell on their vehicle during strong winds. A baby in the vehicle miraculously survived.
The winter storm's impact extends beyond fatalities. In Mississippi, state officials have cautioned drivers to be vigilant of black ice and to venture out only if necessary. The state's colleges and universities have delayed the return from winter break due to perilous conditions. Mississippi's death toll rose to 11 after three more fatalities were reported on Sunday.
In Tennessee, approximately 400,000 residents are under a boil water notice due to broken pipes in the Memphis area. The local utility has been working tirelessly, repairing 41 water mains and over 4,000 water pipes affected by the cold snap.
Restaurants and bars in southern U.S. cities like Memphis are resorting to bottled water to serve customers, with some establishments forced to close or modify their menus due to water issues. Electricity restoration efforts have been largely successful, but tens of thousands remain without power across Oregon, Pennsylvania, California, New Mexico, and Indiana.
The National Weather Service has issued an ice storm warning for parts of Arkansas and Oklahoma, with driving conditions expected to be treacherous in large swaths of the country into Monday. A thaw is anticipated later in the week, but meteorologists warn that warm air and rain could trigger flooding in parts of the Midwest and northeastern U.S.
In Memphis, Tennessee, the struggle to restore water supply continues as Memphis Light, Gas and Water work to fix broken pipes causing low water pressure. Doug McGowen, the President and CEO of the utility, remains optimistic about restoring water for most of the 700,000 affected residents within 24 hours. However, the community is bracing for more challenges as the ground continues to thaw, potentially leading to additional pipe breaks.
The impact of the winter storms extends to educational institutions like Rhodes College in Memphis, which has resorted to virtual classes and relocating students due to water issues. The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency reported that 28 water systems in the state have issued boil water notices, highlighting the widespread nature of the crisis.
This series of winter storms has not only brought tragic loss of life but has also severely disrupted daily life across the U.S., highlighting the challenges of extreme weather and the urgent need for robust infrastructure and emergency response systems.
