NYC Freezes but Dodges Major Weekend Storm as Southeast Endures 6 Days of Power Outages

New York City remains locked in a dangerous deep freeze, with subzero wind chills gripping the Tri-State region, but the city is expected to escape the worst of the weekend winter storm that threatens to slam the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, where tens of thousands of residents are entering a sixth day without electricity.

The Arctic blast anchoring itself over the Northeast has pushed temperatures well below freezing, with wind chills dipping to 20 below zero in some parts of the region overnight. Despite bright sunshine, Friday’s high temperatures will struggle to reach the upper teens. Officials warn that frostbite can set in within 15 to 30 minutes in these conditions, and an AccuWeather Alert remains in effect through Saturday because of the extreme cold.

Forecasters say the approaching weekend storm will pass largely to the south, sparing most of the Tri-State area from significant snow. Only light, scattered snow showers are possible for much of the region, with the main effects likely confined to eastern Long Island – where a dusting of snow, gusty winds, rough surf, and pockets of minor coastal flooding may occur. Temperatures may briefly moderate early next week before another surge of Arctic air arrives next weekend.

While New York escapes the core of the storm, the Southeast is bracing for a high-impact winter event as tens of thousands of people continue living without power nearly a week after a crippling system cut electricity across Mississippi, Tennessee, and surrounding states.

The National Weather Service reports that another wave of arctic air will plunge temperatures into the teens (minus 10 degrees Celsius) Friday night in places like Nashville, Tennessee, where many homes remain unheated following last week’s heavy snow and ice.

More than 230,000 homes and businesses were still offline Friday morning, the majority in Mississippi and Tennessee, according to tracking site poweroutage.us.

Forecasters say the relentless cold will persist across the eastern U.S. into February, with a strong chance of heavy snowfall across the Carolinas, Virginia, and northeast Georgia this weekend. Some communities in North Carolina could see up to a foot (30 centimeters) of snow; more than they’ve received in years. Snow is also possible from Maryland through Maine.

Meteorologists expect powerful winds and moderate to heavy snow Saturday night into early Sunday, raising the potential for short-lived blizzard conditions before the system shifts offshore later Sunday morning.

As the Deep South awaits the next punch of winter, health experts warn that prolonged exposure in powerless homes is reaching a critical point.

“The longer you’re exposed to the cold, the worse it is,” Dr. Hans House, professor of emergency medicine at the University of Iowa told the NY Post on Friday. “The body can handle cold temperatures briefly very well, but the prolonged exposure is a problem.”

State leaders in Mississippi say this is the worst winter storm the state has seen since 1994. Roughly 80 warming centers have been opened throughout the state to help residents survive the extended freeze.

Gov. Tate Reeves said National Guard units are transporting blankets, food, and other essential supplies by truck and helicopter.

In Tennessee, Gov. Bill Lee said emergency crews have provided more than 600 warming-supply kits and over 2,200 gallons (8,328 liters) of gasoline and diesel to residents in need.

At least 85 people have died across areas impacted by the extreme cold from Texas to New Jersey. Around half of the deaths occurred in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana. While many fatalities stemmed from hypothermia, several are suspected to be linked to carbon monoxide exposure.