The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) has confirmed 17 people have died in winter weather after a winter storm hit Tennessee this week.

The TDH confirmed the latest death occurred in Roane County, bringing the total of weather-related deaths to 17.

Authorities say 75-year-old James Maynard was attempting to dethaw frozen pipes yesterday under his home on South Chamberlain Avenue in Rockwood when he had a medical issue and passed away.

Five of those weather-related deaths happened in the Middle Tennessee area – the aforementioned two in Marshall County and one each in Hickman County, Van Buren County, and Henry County.

Extreme cold weather is expected to linger through this weekend, with temperatures in the teens on Saturday.

Ice continues to be a problem on the roadways.

Officials continue to urge residents to stay off the roads and out of the frigid temperatures.