2024-01-22 01:02:00
Millions of people in USA still affected two weeks of snow storms, coldrain and freezing wind, causing deaths, flight cancellations, power outages, school closures and traffic accidents throughout the country.
According to what was reported, Some 89 people died in at least 13 states due to the first winter wave of the year, which has taken the wind chill to below zero temperatures.
Tennesseewhich declared a state of emergency last Wednesday, accumulated the highest number of victims, with 25since the winter system began to affect that state on January 14, according to data from the Department of Health cited by local media.
The deaths occurred due to hypothermia, traffic accidents on roads that are slippery following snowfall, and problems with the heating system.
Tennessee residents had to deal with a backlog of 22.8 centimeters of snow and the state Office of Emergency Management warned on its website that many routes, especially secondary ones, remain affected as there is still snow and extreme cold and urged people to drive carefully.
Deaths were also reported in Oregon, with at least 16 victimsincluding three adults who lost their lives Wednesday when a tree fell on their vehicle, according to CBS.
In that northwestern state, schools had to close, more than 45.000 personas were left in the dark due to a blackout and the state of emergency also continues.
Other power outages were reported in Pennsylvania, California, New Mexico and Indiana, due to poor weather conditions that are expected to continue through early this week.
Deaths were also reported in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Kentucky and Wisconsin, among others, although some remain under investigation to confirm that they are related to the weather affecting the country.
According to the National Weather Service, a series of fronts and low pressure systems are expected to bring warmer air to the United States by the middle of next week.
The polar wave of the United States reached Texas and Florida
The arctic cold wave dominated the United States this Sunday and even reached unforeseen states as Texas and Florida.
Intense polar wave in the United States AP Photo
Crews worked around the clock this weekend to detect and repair burst pipes that had lowered water pressure in the city.
Some inhabitants carry days without waterand the company’s 400,000 customers were asked to boil their water before using it.
Memphis Light, Gas and Water CEO Doug McGowen said in a video posted on social media Saturday that he hopes to have an estimate by Sunday followingnoon of when water pressure will be restored.
“Just bear with me a little bit”McGowen declared, adding: “Neighbors help neighbors.”
By Saturday followingnoon, the company had repaired 36 water fountains and more than 2,000 leaks in homes and businesses. It is expected that when temperatures begin to rise, more breaks will become evident.
McGowen asked residents to turn off all faucets once temperatures rise, a move that would add 5 to 10 million gallons a day to the system and help restore pressure in pipes.
Bars and restaurants used bottled water to serve customers. Some of them closed, while others changed the menu.
The frigid temperatures, which began on Friday, might ease slightly in the coming days. For example, in Des Moines, the capital of Iowa, values above zero are expected starting this Monday.
“By no longer arriving arctic air from canadawarming is expected for the central United States,” indicated the national meteorological agency.
With information from EFE and AP.
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