Nine more people in Maryland died of cold-related causes in the week ending last Saturday, pushing this winter’s reported toll to 55. The deaths, drawn from both city blocks and rural roads, leaned heavily toward older adults and followed a long stretch of bitter cold in late January and early February, according to local reporting that cites state data.
State Numbers Show Toll Mounting Before Latest Spike
Maryland's weekly Cold-Related Illness Surveillance Report listed 46 cold-related deaths for the season as of the week of Feb. 1–7, with two-thirds of those victims identified as people 65 or older. The figures are compiled by the state's Office of Preparedness and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, according to the Maryland Department of Health.
Local Post Details Where Victims Lived And How Old They Were
A Facebook post from Tri‑State News Center reported nine cold-related deaths in the week ending last Saturday and listed the counties affected: Allegany (1), Harford (1), Howard (1), Kent (1), Washington (1), Anne Arundel (2) and Baltimore City (2). The post also said nearly two dozen of the season’s victims were 65 or older, with those figures circulating while state officials continue to compile and verify case reports.
Cold Deaths Rose Steadily After Late January Storm
Local coverage and state tallies indicate that the total climbed through January and early February after the Jan. 23–27 winter storm and a run of subfreezing temperatures. CBS Baltimore reported the early February surge and cited state data showing 46 deaths as of its Feb. 12 coverage.
Who Is Most At Risk And Where To Turn For Help
Health officials say older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, and people experiencing homelessness face the highest risk for hypothermia and other cold-related emergencies. Baltimore City has activated Code Blue emergency measures to expand shelter capacity and outreach, and the Maryland Department of Health directs residents seeking warming centers to call 2‑1‑1 or check the state's cold weather resources for locations and services, according to the Baltimore City Health Department and the Maryland Department of Health.
What Comes Next For The Official Count
Cold-related death totals are considered provisional and are updated weekly as medical examiners finish case reviews, so the overall number can shift as new reports arrive. We will be watching for formal updates from state surveillance and local health departments to confirm the latest week’s numbers.
