At Least 38 Perish as Record Cold Wave Hits Most of Nation

A record-breaking cold wave extended to nearly all corners of the nation today, and authorities said at least 38 people have died of weather-related causes since the deep freeze blew in from Alaska last week.

The National Weather Service said southern Georgia and most of Florida were the only regions in the lower 48 states escaping winter’s chill.

The weather service said that the arctic air should persist until at least the end of this week but that there may be a gradual warming trend early next week.

Nationwide, authorities reported that since last week at least 38 people have died of exposure or in auto crashes or other accidents, including four children who died in Washington state when their makeshift sleds slammed into cars.

10.5 Inches in Chicago

The victims included 16 in Texas, 5 in Washington State, 4 in Illinois, 3 each in Kentucky and South Dakota, 2 each in Missouri, Oklahoma and Oregon and 1 in Kansas.

Temperatures broken or tied early today included Alameda, Calif., at 33; Casper, Wyo., 20 below; Eureka, Calif., 29; Grand Junction, Colo., 18 below; Midland, Tex. 9; Oakland, Calif., 33; Pocatello, Ida., 20 below; Portland, Ore., 18; Sacramento, Calif., 28; San Angelo, Tex., 12; San Francisco, 31, and Wichita Falls, Tex., 10.

A snowstorm that lasted all weekend dumped 10.5 inches on the Chicago area and dropped temperatures to below zero for the first time this winter.

O’Hare and Midway Airport both reported flight cancellations and delays.

Disciplinary Action

Chicago Streets and Sanitation Commissioner John Halpin said disciplinary action will be taken against 230 workers who did not report for snow-removal duty during the weekend.

Light to moderate snow fell today from Maryland across much of New York State, northern Ohio, western Kentucky, western Tennessee, northern Arkansas, Wisconsin, Indiana, northern Minnesota, the Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle. Freezing rain and sleet fell in many areas, including much of the Gulf Coast and Texas.

A winter storm warning was also posted over central New Mexico for heavy snow with cold temperatures and gusty winds. Snow and wind advisories were also issued for the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles and parts of Arizona and Colorado.