Millions of Americans were caught in the grip of a snowstorm and record-breaking cold snap that blanketed the north and center of the country. More than 200 million people received severe weather warnings, and the death toll continues to rise. Two people were killed by snowplows in Massachusetts and Ohio, teenagers died in Arkansas and Texas, and the body of a 28-year-old teacher was found buried in the snow in Kansas, just 350 meters from her last location recorded on surveillance cameras.

In New York City, eight people froze to death in two days. Snowfall in a Pittsburgh suburb reached 50 cm, and temperatures dropped to -31 degrees Celsius. City officials declared a state of emergency after 37 of 95 snowplows failed. The measures will allow contractors with their own equipment to clear roads.

The severe weather canceled 12,000 flights from Arkansas to New England. In northern Mississippi and parts of Tennessee, freezing rain left over 700,000 homes without power. Oxford Mayor Robin Tannehill compared the aftermath to a tornado, noting downed trees and power lines on every street.

Forecasters are predicting continued freezing rain in the northeastern United States and further snowfall in New England and New York State. Further power outages are highly likely, and Ohio officials are urging residents to avoid travel, as more than 2,700 accidents have occurred in the state in three days. A new powerful cyclone is forecast to hit the United States this weekend.