Arctic Blast Causes Widespread Disruption Across U.S., Water Mains Burst in Memphis

Severe cold expected to persist until after the weekend, following a week of deadly storms.

Arctic weather has caused widespread disruption across the U.S., with particularly severe impacts in Memphis, Tennessee, where freezing temperatures have caused water mains to burst, leading to a citywide drop in water pressure and potential contamination.
The extreme cold, which is expected to persist until after the weekend, has followed a week of storms that have been blamed for at least 61 deaths across the U.S., many due to hypothermia or road accidents.
Businesses, such as the Four Way Grill in Memphis, have had to close due to the water issues, causing significant financial strain.
Memphis Light, Gas & Water has urged its over 400,000 customers to boil water for drinking or teeth-brushing, and has more than 100 employees working to identify and repair leaks.
Wind chill advisories are in place across a huge swath of the U.S., from Montana to central Florida, with temperatures feeling as low as minus 20 Fahrenheit (minus 28 Celsius) in places like Vermont.