Deadly Winter Storms Claim 14 Lives Across Central, Eastern US

AFP

Islamabad: Powerful winter storms have claimed at least 14 lives across the central and eastern United States, with authorities reporting flooding, gale-force winds, and plummeting temperatures.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned of a winter storm system bringing arctic air that could result in record cold, with wind chills plunging to -51 degrees Celsius in Montana and North Dakota.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear reported a rise in the state’s death toll, from eight to twelve, with most fatalities occurring when floodwaters trapped victims in their vehicles. Among the deceased were a mother and her child.

In West Virginia, one confirmed fatality has been reported, with ongoing flooding and several missing persons. Additionally, in Atlanta, Georgia, a person was killed when an enormous tree fell on their house.

As temperatures drop across a broad region, from the central plains to the eastern seaboard and even the Gulf Coast, the NWS issued a warning for continued cold weather. Power outages affected tens of thousands of people, with over 50,000 still without electricity in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. First responders have rescued more than 1,000 people in Kentucky alone within 24 hours.

State officials are urging residents to stay off the roads, as emergency measures have been implemented in affected areas.