At least 85 deaths reported as bitter cold grips South in wake of winter storm
The death toll continues to rise as brutal cold grips parts of the South in the wake of a massive winter storm.
From Texas to Tennessee, emergency crews were still working to restore power -- as a potential nor-easter threatens the Southeast with another arctic blast and blizzard conditions.
At least 85 people have died in multiple states, according to The Associated Press.
The weather-related fatalities have been due to hypothermia, suspected carbon monoxide poisoning and accidents involving cars, sleds and snowplows, among other causes.
In Mississippi, four deaths were reported on Thursday, bringing the total due to severe winter weather to 14, the governor's office said. Over 95,000 customers are without power in the state, with extremely cold temperatures in the forecast into the weekend.
The Tennessee Department of Health confirmed 13 weather-related fatalities as of Wednesday. The state is experiencing prolonged cold temperatures amid widespread power outages. Over 93,000 customers are without power throughout the state. Officials in Nashville said power might not be fully restored through the weekend or even longer.
Louisiana reported its ninth winter storm-related death on Thursday -- a 74-year-old man who died from hypothermia at his home "following an extended power outage," the state's health department said.
Texas has also reported multiple winter storm-related fatalities -- including three brothers who died after falling through ice into a pond and two teenage girls who died after their sled, which was being pulled by a Jeep Wrangler, struck a curb and collided with a tree, authorities said.
In New York City, at least 10 people were found dead outdoors, officials said.
As states continue to work to restore power and clear roads of snow and ice amid the deep freeze, a potential blizzard is headed to the Southeast this weekend, expected to impact the Carolinas, Georgia, Virginia and Tennessee.
