This winter has been one of the most extreme winters in years when it comes to the weather. Well over six feet of snow has been dumped in Boston, Massachusetts, and even more in other parts of New England. The south has been affected more than usual as well, experiencing over a foot of snow in some areas along with power outages. This week, winter took a turn for the worst when it caused the deaths of 23 people across the country.

 

Eighteen of these winter deaths occurred in Tennessee. Tennessee emergency management report that three individuals perished in a fire in Knox County where the firefighters had trouble getting to the man, woman, and their adult son who were inside the house. Others in Tennessee died from hypothermia and auto accidents, all of which were directly caused by the snow. A little less directly, but still caused by winter weather, was the death of a man on dialysis who was unable to receive his treatment.

 

Tennessee officials report that over 2,700 residents are currently without power, just before some more severe winter weather. Freezing rain and more snow are already in the forecasts for the Tennessee area.

 

The majority of the Eastern United States is still in the grips of violently cold conditions, say CNN meteorologists, as wind chill warnings and advisories are still in place over 125 million Americans.

 

The next storm is already brewing and snow, sleet and freezing rain advisories are already in effect for Nashville where ice accumulation could cause more power outages and will certainly set back the restorations for those already without power. Winter storm warnings are already in effect for Kentucky, and more heavy snow is in effect for Louisville and Cincinnati. This weekend’s storm will work its way up along the East Coast, hopefully not wreaking too much havoc.