Weather Claims Three Lives In Pa. As More Snow, Cold Coming

Four deaths in New Jersey and Pennsylvania have been identified over the past month because of the record-low temperatures - and now more snow and cold air is heading toward the region.

A new push of frigid air will trigger the next round of precipitation across the Northeast in the form of intermittent snow and snow showers Wednesday afternoon and evening, according to Accuweather.

While the snow showers will vary in intensity, they will bring the risk of slippery roads and sidewalks, as well as flight delays due to deicing operations, according to Accuweather.

The National Weather Service has issued a “Hazardous Weather Outlook,” saying scattered snow showers may cause hazardous travel between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Frigid air rivaling that of early this week will push to the East and South following the snow showers, according to Accuweather.

As temperatures fall, any areas made wet and slushy by the snow showers will freeze, including around the major cities of Chicago, Detroit, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., according to Accuweather.

The Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, meanwhile, won’t release the cause of death for a woman found dead in the snow until toxicological tests are complete, a spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office said.

Sixty-six-year-old Olivia Benito spent her last hours at a benefit at the Lakewood Elks and at a friend’s house for drinks before she set out in the bitter cold and wind for her townhouse on Davids Court in Lakewood. She didn’t make it home.

She was found dead in the snow near a neighbor’s car early Sunday morning. Benito was last seen alive by a neighbor at midnight, authorities said.

In Montgomery County, Pa., three deaths were reported in the past month because of the cold temperatures, a recent report said.

Two deaths involved elderly people who suffered from dementia. The third involved a man who did not have heat in his home, according to the report by The Intelligencer.

County Coroner Dr. Walter I. Hofman told the publication a 79-year-old Upper Dublin man wandered away from home on Jan. 19 and was later found dead nearby. Then on Feb. 5, a 93-year-old woman who had dementia was found deceased in her driveway.

Also on Feb. 5, a 68-year-old West Philadelphia man was transported to Lankenau Hospital to be treated for hypothermia and later died.

Local residents have been dealing with extremely cold weather recently, including sub zero temperatures over the past week. Throughout numerous the region, counties and townships have made in an effort to provide ample shelter and heat for people during the bitter cold.

Unfortunately, the frigid temperatures will linger for a bit longer, according to the National Weather Service.

Here’s the hour-by-hour forecast for the region:

Wednesday night: Snow showers likely before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 4. Wind chill values as low as -6. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 17.

Thursday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around -4.