Boston, Massachusetts – Severe winter storms and cold snaps have wreaked havoc across the United States this week, resulting in nearly 50 fatalities. The East Coast has been hit particularly hard, with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures extending into the South and Midwest, breaking temperature records in several cities and causing widespread travel disruptions.
One tragic incident involved a 37-year-old hiker in the Pemigewasset Wilderness of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The hiker, described as “experienced,” perished amid harsh weather conditions, prompting a multi-day rescue effort by the state’s Fish and Game Department.
In Tennessee, authorities reported 17 deaths linked to winter weather, including a chilling scenario where a man fell through a skylight while clearing snow from a business roof in Hickman County. Additionally, fatalities occurred in Oregon when a power line fell on a car during an ice storm, and during a deep freeze in Houston, where four people lost their lives.
The impact of the extreme weather extended beyond these states, with fatalities reported in Seattle due to hypothermia, as well as in Mississippi and several other states. Reports from Wyoming, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Mississippi, and New York indicated multiple deaths attributed to the harsh winter conditions.
On a logistical front, over 4,200 flights in the U.S. faced delays, with about 952 flights being canceled by 2 p.m. on Friday. Major airports like LaGuardia, Reagan National, and Newark Liberty International were among those experiencing disruptions, contributing to the more than 8,000 flight cancellations and delays on one of the worst travel days of the year.
The winter storm that swept through the East Coast not only brought tragedy but also marked a significant event by breaking long-running snow droughts in Baltimore, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. The snowfall in New York specifically ended a record 701-day snow drought in the city, highlighting the severity and rarity of the weather phenomenon.
As authorities continue to assess the aftermath of these deadly winter storms, it serves as a stark reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature. The impacts on travel, infrastructure, and communities further emphasize the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of extreme weather events.