The latest toll puts the death toll at fifty after the winter storm hit the country and the number is expected to continue to rise in the coming days.
The highest number of deaths has been reported in New York state, where at least 27 people have died from the polar cold wave arriving from Canada. 14 others died in Buffalo.
The magnitude of the storm is unprecedented, affecting parts of the Midwest and Eastern United States for six days, according to CBS. The storm caused power outages, flight cancellations and made streets and highways dangerous.
Millions of people took shelter from the frost overnight and into the early morning, but the storm trapped some residents inside their homes due to snowdrifts. It also left thousands of citizens without electricity.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said it was the “most devastating” storm in Buffalo’s history, where nearly 100 centimeters of snow fell.
“I can’t overstate how dangerous the conditions continue to be,” Hochul said, urging residents to stay off the roads this Christmas.
Despite weather conditions improving during the day, more than 55 million people are on alert for low temperatures, with December 25 the coldest since 1983 for cities including Miami, Tampa, Orlando and West Palm Beach.
Additionally, more than 3,000 flights were canceled on Christmas Eve, while 2,000 flights were canceled on December 25.
About 60% of the US population received some sort of weather alert over the weekend.
“Amateur introvert. Pop culture trailblazer. Incurable bacon aficionado.”