89 Deaths in One Week Due to Cold Wave Hitting the US... Cold Weather Continues This Week

Recently, a 'polar cold wave' accompanied by strong winds and snow has swept across various parts of the United States, resulting in nearly 90 deaths over the past week.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

According to CBS's own tally on the 21st (local time), 89 people died nationwide last week due to the polar cold wave and winter storms. The Tennessee Department of Health reported 25 weather-related deaths. Oregon reported at least 16 fatalities, including three adults who died when trees fell on their cars. In addition, weather-related deaths were reported in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Washington, Kentucky, Wisconsin, New York, New Jersey, and other states.

However, investigations are underway to determine whether some cases, such as traffic accident fatalities in Kentucky and Illinois, were caused by the weather. Earlier, some states had warned drivers to exercise extreme caution when driving on roads due to the polar cold wave. Mississippi authorities urged residents to "drive only when necessary."

The severe cold continued across the country this weekend. CBS reported that the eastern U.S. region is expected to experience the coldest weather of this winter so far. The cold wave warning was extended as far south as northern Florida. Experts advised people to wear multiple layers of clothing and be cautious of hypothermia when going outside. In Oregon, an ice storm caused power outages affecting 45,000 people. Power outages were also reported in Pennsylvania, California, New Mexico, and Indiana.

Meteorologists forecast that the cold wave accompanied by snow may persist until early next week. Temperatures are expected to rise later in the week.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.