Subfreezing temperatures and Arctic storms have engulfed much of the United States, leaving millions of Americans in hazardous conditions. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for near-blizzard conditions in the northeast and heavy snowfall in the south, adding to the already frigid temperatures.

In Montana and the Dakotas, wind chills could plummet as low as -70°F (-56°C), prompting officials to urge residents to take extreme caution. The expansive weather warnings and advisories for wind chills reaching -0°F (-17°C) cover an estimated 95 million people, with forecasters even predicting the severe cold to reach northern Texas.

Buffalo, New York is one of the hardest-hit regions, with a forecast of 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 meters) of snow. Authorities are urging residents to stay off the roads, as the severe storm has forced the postponement of the Buffalo Bills-Pittsburgh Steelers NFL playoff game. Wind gusts up to 50mph (80kph) are also expected in the area.

Zack Taylor, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in College Park, Maryland, warned that Buffalo could experience near-blizzard conditions due to both heavy snowfall and extreme winds.

Further south, another Arctic storm is expected to push down from the Rockies, potentially bringing 4 to 6 inches (0.10 to 0.15 meters) of snow to Arkansas, northern Mississippi, and west Tennessee. In preparation for the severe weather, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has declared a state of emergency, allowing utility trucks and supply vehicles more agility in responding to the situation.

Meanwhile, power outages have affected over 150,000 homes and businesses in Oregon, with widespread outages also reported in Michigan and Wisconsin. Oregon has faced heavy snow and ice storms, leading to treacherous conditions. Sadly, the harsh weather has already claimed three lives. In Portland, medical examiners are investigating a death due to hypothermia, as the city is seeing freezing rain and heavy snow. Additionally, a tragic incident occurred when an RV caught fire while a small group of people was using an open flame stove for warmth. A falling tree exacerbated the situation, leading to the death of a woman trapped inside. In Lake Oswego, Oregon, a large tree fell on a home during high winds, resulting in the death of an older man on the second floor.

This recent bout of extreme weather has already claimed lives in California, Idaho, Illinois, and Wisconsin earlier in the week. The United States continues to brace for more severe cold and snowfall, with authorities urging residents to take necessary precautions to stay safe during this dangerous weather event.