A severe winter snowstorm has swept across the United States, leaving at least 12 dead and more than 100 injured or hospitalized, as reported by Joyjun Balerite Acol, Radyo Natin US Correspondent.

In response, U.S. President Donald Trump has approved emergency declarations for 12 states threatened by the historic winter storm, mobilizing federal resources to assist local authorities.

The fatalities have been reported in several states: five in New York due to hypothermia, two in Louisiana from extreme cold, and one each in Michigan, Arkansas, and Texas. Tennessee reported two deaths resulting from road accidents caused by icy conditions, with rescuers unable to reach the victims in time.

The storm is affecting a wide area across the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic, including Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington D.C. Southern states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas are also experiencing severe winter conditions.

In the Midwest, including Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, and Ohio, many areas have already lost power, heating, or water, while some residents have required rescue due to the harsh conditions.

Weather specialists warn that the storm could persist for up to a week, with temperatures potentially dropping as low as -37°C to -45°C (-35°F to -49°F).