The United States has been ravaged by severe winter storms over the past week, resulting in more than 90 weather-related deaths. The fatalities have occurred in multiple states, with Tennessee and Oregon being the hardest hit. Along with the tragic loss of life, tens of thousands of people remain without power across various parts of the country, further exacerbating the challenging situation. While icy conditions are expected to improve in the coming days, the impacts of the storms are likely to be felt for an extended period.
Following the storms, fatalities have been reported in Mississippi, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Washington, Kentucky, Wisconsin, New York, New Jersey, and elsewhere. Electric outages remain a significant concern, specifically in Oregon, where 45,000 people are still without power. Additionally, the National Weather Service has issued an ice storm warning for parts of Arkansas and Oklahoma, highlighting the prolonged impact of the severe weather on various regions. As the country braces for the thaw, meteorologists are warning that warm air and rain could potentially result in flooding in parts of the Midwest and north-eastern US, further exacerbating the challenges faced by communities. By the end of the week, temperatures in some eastern parts of the country are anticipated to be well above the average for the time of year, providing a glimmer of hope following this harrowing weather event.