As another wave of harsh winter weather approaches, the South of the United States is bracing for dangerously low temperatures that could exacerbate the ongoing crisis in Mississippi and Tennessee. With over six days of power outages and sub-zero conditions, medical experts warn of increasing hypothermia risks, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A Dire Situation for Thousands
The National Weather Service has issued warnings as Arctic air descends on the Southeast, predicting temperatures to drop further into the teens (around minus 10 degrees Celsius) on Friday night, particularly in areas like Nashville. This comes as more than 79,000 homes and businesses remain without electricity following a severe storm that left a trail of snow and ice across the eastern U.S.
Dr. Hans House, a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Iowa, emphasises the dangers of prolonged exposure to cold. “The longer you’re exposed to the cold, the worse it is,” he noted. While the human body can initially withstand cold temperatures, ongoing exposure significantly heightens the risks.
Vulnerable Populations at Greater Risk
The potential for hypothermia is particularly acute for the elderly, infants, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Dr. Zheng Ben Ma, medical director of the northwest emergency department at the University of Washington Medical Center, explained that those at risk may begin to show symptoms within hours of exposure to frigid temperatures. These symptoms can range from exhaustion and slurred speech to severe memory loss.
As the harsh weather persists into its sixth day, even those who are typically healthy may start to experience adverse effects. “Once you get into days six, seven, upwards of ten, then even a healthy, resilient person will be more predisposed to experiencing some of those deleterious effects of the cold temperature,” Dr. Ma cautioned.
Mobilisation of Resources
In response to the crisis, hundreds of National Guard troops have been deployed in both Mississippi and Tennessee to assist with recovery efforts. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves reported that troops are delivering essential supplies such as meals and blankets by truck and helicopter. Meanwhile, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that crews have distributed over 600 units of warming supplies and more than 2,200 gallons of fuel to help residents cope with the bitter cold.
Nashville’s Mayor Freddie O’Connell has stated that the city is experiencing its most extensive utility workforce in history as they endeavour to restore power. However, the timeline for restoration remains uncertain, particularly in rural areas that have been severely impacted.
Rising Death Toll and Safety Concerns
The harsh winter weather has already claimed at least 85 lives across the affected regions, with a significant number of deaths occurring in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. While some fatalities have been linked to hypothermia, others are suspected cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, prompting health officials to warn against the dangers of using indoor heat sources without proper ventilation.
As of Thursday night, over 230,000 homes and businesses were without electricity, primarily in Mississippi and Tennessee, each with approximately 87,000 outages. Mississippi officials have declared this winter storm the worst the state has faced since 1994, leading to the establishment of around 80 warming centres to assist those in need.
Forecasters predict that subfreezing temperatures will persist into February, with the potential for heavy snowfall in the Carolinas, Virginia, and northeast Georgia this weekend. The National Weather Service has also indicated a chance of freezing rain in parts of Mississippi and light snow in Nashville.
Why it Matters
This severe weather event highlights the increasing vulnerability of communities in the face of climate change and extreme weather patterns. As the South grapples with this crisis, the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and response strategies becomes ever more critical. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the potential human cost of severe weather and the importance of ensuring that all populations—especially the most vulnerable—are adequately protected and supported during such crises.
