In recent days, large parts of North America have experienced unusually cold temperatures.
Temperatures are expected to drop to minus 48 degrees. It is already minus 20 degrees in several places in the country, which causes major problems for the electricity grid.
According to CNN, 755,000 households and businesses were without power on Christmas Eve.
Several danger warnings have been sent out as a result of the extreme weather.
– It is one of the most widespread winter danger warnings ever, states the US Meteorological Institute.
Several died
A total of 18 people are said to have died, according to the report Sky Newsand the death toll is expected to rise.
Several aid workers are struggling to get to various places, to the frustration of the alarm centers that receive them extremely many cries for helpreports the newspaper.
– This is an enormous danger throughout the state, says New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
according to The Washington Post two people died in two different homes, as a direct consequence of the failure of the emergency services to arrive.
SNOW: There are huge amounts of snow in several places in the state of New York Photo: Jeffrey T. Barnes / AP photo
The County Executive of Erie County, Marc. C. Poloncarz, tells the newspaper that large areas in the county did not have emergency services nearby.
– A doctor guided over the phone when a woman had to help her sister who gave birth at home. First responders failed to reach an infant who needed help a few blocks away. People were stranded inside restaurants and in their homes overnight because they couldn’t get out, he said.
– This was a very, very serious night for us, continued Poloncraz.
500 motorists were stuck
In addition to people who were unable to get out of restaurants and their homes in Erie County, people were stuck on area roads.
FROSSEN: There are snow storms in several places in the country. Photo: Jeffrey T. Barnes/AP
According to Reuters, as many as 500 motorists were stuck in their cars from Friday night to Saturday morning.
The National Guard was called out to assist those who were stuck as a result of the cold weather. At least one person was found dead in their car.
Prohibition on driving
There have been several deaths related to the weather. With very slippery roads and snowstorms leading to limited visibility, it has been almost impossible to travel along the roads.
At Toledo, two people died when 50 cars chain collided during a snowstorm. This meant that those involved had to be evacuated by bus, to prevent them from freezing to death.
It writes Reuters.
GLATT: There have been several descents. Photo: Neil Blake/AP
In addition, Reuters states that a ban on driving has been introduced in Buffalo. The ban was introduced on Friday, and was still valid on Christmas Eve. The day is one of the biggest travel days in the US.
In Kentucky, three road deaths have been reported.
– I know it is very difficult because it is Christmas Eve. But there have been several accidents. It’s not safe, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said.
