The United States has been hit by ferocious winter storms in the past week, which has resulted in nearly 90 weather-related fatalities across different parts of the country.
Oregon remains under a state of emergency after enduring severe ice storms that have claimed 16 lives while Tennessee has reported at least 25 deaths due to the freezing weather.
Tens of thousands of people remain without power in various parts of the country, including nearly 10,000 in Oregon, 8,000 in North Carolina, 7,000 in California, and 4,300 in Kentucky as of Sunday.
Meanwhile, icy conditions may persist until mid-week before a thaw is expected with some meteorologists warning that warm air and rain could cause flooding in parts of the Midwest and north-eastern US.
Additionally, fatalities have also been reported in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Washington, Kentucky, Wisconsin, New York, New Jersey and elsewhere.
In one incident in Portland, Oregon last Wednesday, three people were electrocuted to death when powerful winds caused a power line to fall and strike the vehicle in which they were travelling. A baby who was in the vehicle survived.
Other deaths remain under investigation.
Mississippi officials are warning drivers to “drive only if necessary” and “be aware of black ice” on roads due to weather conditions.
Colleges and universities have delayed students’ return from winter break.
Water issues have also plagued Tennessee, where 400,000 remain under a “boil water” notice due to broken pipes in the Memphis area.
The local utility there said it had fixed 41 water mains and more than 4,000 water pipes because of the cold temperatures.
