The number of people who have lost their lives in the United States as a result of the powerful winter storm "Fern", which hit large parts of the country over the weekend, has risen to 34.
Victims have been reported in several states, from Texas to Massachusetts, while authorities warn that the extreme cold will continue throughout the week, with record temperatures below zero.
One of the most shocking cases was recorded in New Jersey, where a 67-year-old man was found dead outside his apartment, with a snow shovel still in his hand. Authorities suspect he died while shoveling snow.
According to the National Weather Service, wind chills have reached as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit, making it dangerous to stay outside for even a few minutes. Forecasters are also warning of another winter storm expected to hit the East Coast over the weekend.
The situation remains critical due to massive power outages. More than 525,000 homes were still without power on Tuesday morning, mainly in Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Local authorities have declared a state of emergency in several areas, while fatalities have been reported from hypothermia, road accidents, falling trees, the use of generators and plane crashes.
Nine deaths have been reported in New York alone, while four people have died in Tennessee. Air travel has also been disrupted, with thousands of flights cancelled or delayed.
The National Weather Service is warning that extremely low temperatures from Texas to New York could cause frostbite and hypothermia within minutes, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary outings and exercise extreme caution.
