The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued extreme cold warnings for over 20 US states as a historic deep freeze follows Winter Storm Fern. Temperatures and wind chills are expected to be dangerously low from Texas to New York, with areas as far south as the Florida panhandle and southern Georgia seeing morning wind chills in the teens and single digits. Prolonged exposure could cause hypothermia and frostbite within minutes.
States along the Gulf Coast, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, will experience wind chills as low as minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit, cold enough to cause frostbite in 30 minutes. In the Midwest, parts of Ohio, Nebraska, and Minnesota could see wind chills between minus 30 and minus 45 degrees, making outdoor exposure potentially deadly in under 20 minutes.
At least 16 people have died as a result of Winter Storm Fern, which brought over a foot of snow, ice storms, and sub-zero temperatures to more than 150 million people. Meteorologist Ryan Hall warned that widespread power outages could leave hundreds of thousands without heat for days, making unheated homes unsafe. 'We've got to really help people find shelters,' he said.
Hypothermia, a dangerous drop in core body temperature, can cause intense shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and coordination problems. Frostbite, which affects fingers, toes, nose, and ears, leads to numb, pale, or waxy skin. The NWS advises dressing in layers, including a hat, face mask, and gloves if going outside, and checking on older relatives and neighbours. Pets should be kept indoors, and exposed pipes should be wrapped and drained to prevent bursting.
