7 Dead, over 800,000 Without Power as Winter Storm Hits U.S.

At least 7 people have died and over 800,000 electrical consumers are without power, as a strong winter storm hits the U.S. According to reports, the storm, referred to as Winter Storm Fern comes with heavy snow, ice, freezing rain, and extreme cold to a large part of the United States.

These include locations from the South and Midwest into the Northeast, causing extensive disruptions to daily life activities.

Reports claimed at least seven deaths were connected to the storm’s circumstances resulting in travel accidents and exposure to cold. There have been warnings that the number could change as rescue and recovery efforts continue.

The ice and heavy snow also brought down power lines and stressed the grid system. According to Poweroutage.us, the total outage estimate has reached over 800,000 so far. Utility workers have been working nonstop to restore service in the hardest-hit regions, which include some parts of the South, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic states.

There have been warnings of the winter storm from the Gulf Coast to New England by the National Weather Service. This is to emphasize the possibility of freezing rain, sleet, and heavy snowfall.

Travel has become dangerous because of subzero wind chills and ice buildup, and roadside agencies have recorded collisions and pile-ups on major routes.

Airports grappled with runway closures and de-icing operations, significantly disrupting air travel nationwide. So far, over 10,000 flight cancellations were reported over the weekend, one of the largest single-day totals in recent years.

In order to speed up infrastructure repairs, governors in several states have declared weather emergencies and have launched the federal disaster aid mechanisms. In several cities, emergency shelters have been set up for people who are at risk because of the severe weather and power shortages.

Officials cautioned that dangerous circumstances are predicted to continue even after the storm passes, with low temperatures slowing runoff and affecting efforts to restore power. Residents are advised to take precautions against hypothermia and frostbite and to stay inside as necessary.