Extreme cold, floods, and power outages continue to wreak havoc across multiple U.S. states, including Kentucky and West Virginia.
Severe winter storms sweeping through the central and eastern United States have resulted in at least 14 fatalities, authorities confirmed on Monday. The storms have brought heavy flooding, strong winds, and freezing temperatures, according to AFP.
Temperatures Expected to Drop to -50°C
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings on Monday about a major winter storm system and “record-breaking cold.” Temperatures in Montana and North Dakota are expected to plummet to -50°C.
“I have more difficult news. The death toll in Kentucky has risen from eight to 12,” Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced in a social media post on Monday.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey also confirmed that at least one person had died in his state due to the severe weather, with several others still missing. He warned of further flooding risks. Additionally, one fatality was reported in Georgia.
Thousands Still Without Power
According to poweroutage.us, electricity has been restored to thousands of homes, but more than 50,000 customers in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland remain without power as of Monday.
Governor Beshear urged residents in Kentucky to avoid traveling under the current conditions. Both state and federal authorities have declared a state of emergency, and emergency responders assisted more than 1,000 people within 24 hours.
