16 Deaths in New York Amidst Severe Cold Stretch, Hypothermia Suspected

Severe Cold Weather in New York

• ❄️ New York is experiencing its 11th consecutive day of below freezing weather, potentially marking the longest period of sub-32°F weather in the city's history.
• 🧊 The prolonged cold has caused snow to harden into blocks of ice, posing an additional hazard.

Fatalities During Cold Stretch

• 💔 Sadly, 16 New Yorkers have died outdoors during this severe cold period as of this morning.
• 🌡️ Preliminary findings suggest hypothermia played a role in 13 of these deaths.
• 💊 In three of the cases, the deaths appear to be overdose deaths, with final results pending from the medical examiner.

City's Response and Efforts

• 🏠 The city is working to provide shelter for all New Yorkers to escape the elements.
• ⚠️ Efforts to get people into warm shelters will continue as long as the cold persists.