Nederlands
English
Deutsch
Français
Español
Português
Deadly Winter Storm Ravages United States
A massive winter storm continues to batter the United States, with the death toll rising to at least 25 people as extreme weather conditions persist across multiple states. The storm, which has been named Winter Storm Fern by meteorologists, has brought record-breaking snowfall, dangerous ice accumulation, and life-threatening cold temperatures to millions of Americans.
Power Outages Affect Hundreds of Thousands
According to data from PowerOutage.US, approximately 700,000 customers remain without electricity nationwide, with the hardest-hit areas concentrated in southern states including Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and Kentucky. Utility companies warn that some residents in New Albany, Mississippi may face up to a week without power as crews work to repair downed power lines and damaged infrastructure.
'It looks like a tornado went through our streets,' said Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill, describing the extensive damage from fallen trees, branches, and power lines caused by ice accumulation.
Record Snowfall and Travel Chaos
The storm has dumped unprecedented amounts of snow across the Northeast and Midwest. Boston experienced its ninth snowiest day on record with 16.7 inches (42 cm), while New York City's Central Park received 11 inches (28 cm) - the most significant snowfall in years. In Ohio Valley, accumulations exceeded 24 inches (60 cm), and Missouri and Illinois saw more than 14 inches (35 cm).
Travel has been severely disrupted, with over 10,000 flights canceled or delayed according to FlightAware. Major airports including New York's LaGuardia, Newark, and JFK experienced cancellation rates exceeding 74%, while Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport saw 99% of flights canceled. Airlines have issued travel waivers allowing passengers to rebook without penalties.
Tragic Fatalities Across Multiple States
The storm has claimed lives through various tragic incidents. In Massachusetts, a 51-year-old woman died and her 47-year-old husband was injured when a snowplow backed into them while they were walking. Two 16-year-olds lost their lives in sledding accidents in Texas and Arkansas. In Ohio, a snow removal worker was killed when struck by a snowplow, and three people in Pennsylvania died while shoveling snow, with victims ranging in age from 60 to 84.
Additional fatalities have been reported in New York, Kansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, and New Jersey, with causes including hypothermia, traffic accidents, and weather-related medical emergencies.
Government Response and Warnings
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has issued urgent warnings for residents to stay indoors. 'The wind chill is still very, very low and we remain concerned about frostbite,' Healey stated, advising people to dress warmly and check on neighbors. The governor has activated the State Emergency Operations Center and declared remote work days for non-essential state employees.
The National Weather Service warns that another significant winter storm may hit the eastern United States this weekend, though details remain uncertain at this stage. Emergency declarations have been approved for several states including Arkansas, Georgia, West Virginia, and Louisiana, with FEMA providing limited federal assistance to support state and local governments.
Ongoing Challenges and Recovery Efforts
As temperatures remain dangerously low, concerns grow for vulnerable populations without power or adequate heating. Municipalities across affected states have implemented parking bans, opened warming centers, and deployed thousands of snow removal vehicles. The storm has left 56.1% of the Lower 48 states covered in snow, up from just 25% before the system developed.
With recovery efforts expected to take days or even weeks in some areas, officials continue to emphasize safety precautions and urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve significantly.
