Subfreezing conditions and hazardous road conditions have resulted in numerous deaths across the U.S. this month, with even states as far south as Texas and Florida being impacted by deadly arctic weather on Sunday.
However, there is a glimmer of relief as the numbing cold is expected to ease up in the coming days.
Nationwide, winter storms in January have claimed nearly 100 lives, with many incidents involving hypothermia or road accidents. In Memphis, Tennessee, crews are working tirelessly to address broken pipes causing low water pressure, impacting around 700,000 people. Memphis Light, Gas and Water President and CEO Doug McGowen anticipates significant progress in restoring water over the next 24 hours, with a possible lifting of the boil water advisory by Thursday.
Despite the positive trajectory, McGowen urged people to stop dripping their faucets to aid in building system pressure. Memphis Light, Gas and Water faced the challenge of repairing 10 water main breaks on Sunday, with expectations of more as the ground continues to thaw. This situation has forced Rhodes College in Memphis to send students home or relocate them to hotels, opting for virtual classes due to ongoing water issues.
Restaurants and bars in the area are grappling with the water problem, using bottled water to serve customers. Some remain closed, while others operate with modified menus. Memphis is not alone in its water system challenges, as 28 water systems in Tennessee have issued boil water notices, indicating the widespread impact of the unusually cold weather.
In Tipton County, the town of Mason is experiencing a multiday water outage, prompting the fire department to distribute water throughout the town. Residents, limited to one case per day per household, are facing hardships in daily activities like cooking, flushing toilets, and washing dishes.
The cold weather has also contributed to at least 27 deaths in Tennessee and 11 in Mississippi. Other parts of the U.S., including Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Vermont, are dealing with freezing rain, sleet, and high wind gusts, making travel treacherous. However, relief is in sight as warmer temperatures are predicted to prevail, marking the end of subzero temperatures that hit the U.S. on Friday.
In western New York, Buffalo Bills fans are preparing for a home playoff game amid chilly conditions, while in Vermont, ice anglers and snowmobilers continue their activities despite single-digit temperatures. On the West Coast, freezing rain poses hazards in the Columbia River Gorge, and Southern California faces evacuation warnings due to heavy rain prompting concerns about mud or debris flows.
As the nation grapples with the impact of severe weather, efforts are underway to address water issues, ensure public safety, and brace for potential hazards in the coming days.
