An ongoing series of winter storms and a surge of freezing air have resulted in several fatalities across six states since Friday. As the country braces for another wave of extreme cold and snow, dangerous travel conditions and a bitterly cold weekend are expected to prevail.

Tragic Deaths Reported:
Since January 12, a total of 21 storm-related deaths have been reported across Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Kansas, Oregon, and New York. Among the reported fatalities, Tennessee has seen the highest number, with seven deaths. In a devastating incident, a box truck driver lost control of his vehicle on a snowy Knoxville highway and collided with a tractor-trailer, resulting in his death.

More Snow and Cold Coming:
Another round of snowfall is forecasted from the Midwest to the East on Friday. Washington, DC, and New York City, which recently ended a nearly two-year-long wait for an inch of snow, may once again experience light snow accumulations. The detailed forecast indicates potentially hazardous travel conditions in these regions.

Northwest Hit by Ice and Power Outages:
The Pacific Northwest endured freezing rain and strong winds that led to power outages affecting over 85,000 homes and businesses in Oregon. Travel conditions were treacherous, with icy roads and fallen trees and power lines prompting closures and travel warnings. A stretch of I-84, spanning nearly 50 miles from west of Portland to the Oregon Cascades, was shut down due to the ice threat.

Buffalo, New York, Faces Snowy Conditions:
Buffalo and its surrounding areas are under a lake-effect snow warning until Thursday night. Localized snowfall of 1 to 3 feet is expected, accompanied by wind gusts of up to 40 mph. As of Wednesday morning, Lackawanna, New York, reported over 30 inches of snow. The National Weather Service issued a warning about potential travel difficulties, urging caution during morning and evening commutes.

Bone-Chilling Cold Returns:
Following a brief respite, bone-chilling cold is set to return to the north-central US late Thursday. The frigid air will rapidly spread across much of the central and eastern parts of the country by Friday afternoon, lingering throughout the weekend. Major cities like Oklahoma City, Nashville, Philadelphia, and New York City will see high temperatures struggling to reach the freezing mark, while Chicago will remain in the teens and Minneapolis in the single digits.

Increased Risk of Frostbite and Hypothermia:
The plunging temperatures will result in dangerous wind chills across the central US by Friday, raising concerns of frostbite and hypothermia. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the harsh conditions.

More Snow Expected:
On Friday, two atmospheric systems, including one from the previous Northwest storm, will collide, leading to another round of snowfall in the Midwest and East. Snow is expected to begin as early as Thursday night in Chicago, with accumulating amounts stretching into the interior Northeast and central Appalachians by Friday morning. Some areas, particularly in the Appalachians, may witness snow totals approaching half a foot before the snow tapers off Friday night.

Continued Impact of Back-to-Back Storms:
The Northwest is facing consecutive storms, resulting in freezing rain, ice, and heavy snow throughout the region. The National Weather Service warns of a deadly "1-2 punch" as winter weather persists. Seven deaths have been reported in the Portland, Oregon area due to severe winter weather, including four hypothermia-related deaths. Ice storm warnings remain in effect, and significant snowfall is expected in elevated terrain and mountainous regions.

As the winter storms continue to wreak havoc across the country, authorities urge people to stay updated on local weather conditions and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.