The risk of hypothermia is increasing in parts of Mississippi and Tennessee, where residents have been without power for nearly a week amid subfreezing temperatures. Another wave of frigid air is expected to push temperatures into the teens on Friday night, deepening the crisis.
Dr. Hans House, a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Iowa, warned that prolonged exposure to cold is the main concern. “The longer you’re exposed to the cold, the worse it is,” he said. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, infants, and those with underlying conditions may have already developed symptoms like exhaustion, slurred speech, and memory loss.
Dr. Zheng Ben Ma, medical director of the University of Washington Medical Center’s northwest emergency department, noted that even healthy individuals could soon be affected. “Once you get into days six, seven, upwards of 10, then even a healthy, resilient person will be more predisposed to experiencing some of those deleterious effects,” he said.
Hundreds of National Guard troops have been mobilised in Mississippi and Tennessee to clear debris and deliver supplies. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said troops are providing meals, blankets, and other necessities by truck and helicopter. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee reported that crews have distributed over 600 units of warming supplies and more than 2,200 gallons of fuel. Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell stated that the city has deployed the highest number of line workers and support crews in its history to restore power, though rural areas face uncertain timelines.
At least 85 deaths have been linked to the severe weather across multiple states, with roughly half occurring in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Some fatalities are attributed to hypothermia, while others are suspected carbon monoxide poisoning from indoor heat sources. Dr. Abhi Mehrotra emphasised the need to ensure generators and other devices do not emit carbon monoxide. Over 230,000 homes and businesses remained without electricity as of Thursday night, mostly in Mississippi and Tennessee.
Mississippi officials described this as the worst winter storm since 1994, with around 80 warming centres opened across the state. Forecasters predict subfreezing conditions will persist into February, with heavy snow possible in the Carolinas, Virginia, and northeast Georgia this weekend.
