Forecasters issued a warning that a harsh surge of Arctic air would persist over a large portion of the United States this weekend, subjecting tens of millions to frigid temperatures and hazardous icy conditions on Saturday. Tragically, the number of deaths caused by the extreme weather had already surpassed 60.
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The Northeast and Midwest regions were covered in heavy snowfall on Friday, leading to slippery road conditions overnight due to the rapidly dropping temperatures.
Two additional deaths were reported by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency on Saturday, occurring on a rural highway in Leflore County, north of Jackson. Further information about the incident was not immediately provided.
The total number of fatalities in the state has now reached at least eight in the past week, with the deaths being attributed to road conditions and extreme cold.
Across the United States, the number of weather-related deaths has risen to at least 61 people due to the recent dangerous winter weather. Most of the deaths have been reported in Tennessee and Oregon.
Emergency officials in Mississippi said on Saturday that prolonged outdoor exposure could lead to frostbite and hypothermia.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in Minneapolis were expected to reach the single digits, while Chicago and St. Louis could experience temperatures in the teens. The wind chill factor was predicted to make it feel as low as minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit in some parts of the northern Plains.
The high winds in Baltimore on Saturday were expected to make temperatures feel very cold, similar to the teens. Football fans attending the NFL playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans were advised to dress warmly, although the weather was not anticipated to be as extreme as the previous Chiefs-Dolphins game in Kansas City.
Additionally, southern cities such as Atlanta and Nashville were also preparing for extremely cold weather. Atlanta experienced temperatures in the teens due to wind chill, and residents in Nashville woke up to temperatures below zero Fahrenheit.
In the Great Lakes region, travel remained dangerous on Saturday morning due to snow showers predicted to return in parts of Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois. This comes after some areas in Indiana received up to 32 inches of snow on Friday.
In Northern California, heavy rain was anticipated on Saturday, while various residents in the Portland, Oregon area remained without electricity due to a recent freezing rain event on Friday. Tragically, nine deaths in Oregon have been attributed to the weather, three of which occurred in Portland when individuals were fatally injured by a downed power line.
However, in a remarkable act of bravery, a young woman rescued a 9-month-old baby amidst this incident. Fortunately, the current cold spell is expected to improve after the weekend.
The National Weather Service has said that there will be no more Arctic air from Canada replenishing the area, causing in a steady warm-up projected to begin on Sunday for the central region of the country.
