Millions of Americans are facing bitter cold as a blast of snow and subfreezing temperatures stretches from the Upper Midwest into the Northeast and parts of the South. The early-season freeze is raising utility bills and adding pressure on people already struggling with rent and food costs, prompting a surge in demand for crisis and nonprofit services.
CBS News correspondent Lana Zak, reporting from Iowa City, says local agencies such as Community Crisis Services are already preparing for what their CEO, Sarah Nelson, calls “a tsunami of need.” With temperatures plunging — in parts of Iowa dropping to about 1°F overnight — centers are seeing more people seeking help for heating, shelter and basic supplies.
The cold has produced dangerous conditions across the country. In Virginia a state trooper pulled a driver from a burning vehicle after a crash during heavy snow; Western New York received a storm that blanketed Highmark Stadium with more than two feet of snow; and western states like Colorado faced icy roads and stalled traffic. Health officials warn that at very low temperatures frostbite can set in within minutes.
Zak interviewed Jimmy Tag, a man living out of his car in Iowa City who keeps his dog with him. He described how community support helped when his heater failed, and he credits local shelters and crisis centers with keeping people from freezing. Agencies are urging residents to help by donating blankets, coats, hats, food and funds to offset utility costs for those who can’t afford higher winter bills.
Nonprofits and crisis centers across affected regions say they expect demand to rise as households face higher energy use and costs. They are mobilizing volunteers, preparing warming spaces, and coordinating with local governments to expand resources for people without adequate heat or shelter.
Officials emphasize simple safety steps for anyone exposed to extreme cold: limit time outdoors when temperatures are dangerously low, wear appropriate layered clothing, protect extremities, check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors, and seek shelter or community aid if heating is inadequate. Local crisis centers and shelters remain key points of contact for people in immediate need as the cold snap continues.