Weather-related deaths climb to 41 as winter maintains icy grip over much of US

There have been at least 41 weather-related deaths across the United States since Sunday, as an arctic blast continues to unleash heavy snow and icy temperatures from coast to coast.

In Tennessee alone, the Department of Health confirmed 14 weather-related deaths.

As of Thursday evening, more than 80 million Americans across 30 states were on alert for cold or snowy weather. Winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories issued by the National Weather Service stretch from Montana all the way to the New Jersey shoreline as a fast-moving storm system takes aim.

cross country storm weather graphic

MORE: More snow forecast as millions face dangerously cold temperatures

Intense bands of lake-effect snow were forecast to continue in the western part of New York state, while the rest of the Northeast region could see a few scattered snow showers on Thursday as temperatures remain cold.

MORE: How to stay safe and prepare for freezing temperatures

After an unprecedented streak of 701 days with less than an inch of snow, New York City could see more than 1 inch for the second day this week.

Heavy snow and gusty winds are expected to continue causing problems in the Northwest, especially in higher elevations. Meanwhile, pouring rain will drench much of the West Coast by the end of the week and into the weekend. Extreme heavy snowfall has been coming down across the Rocky Mountains over the past few days, prompting avalanche warnings for several mountains in Colorado.

ABC News’ Victoria Arancio, Ahmed Hemingway and Jason Volack contributed to this report.