At least 18 people now dead as historic New York cold stretch nears end

City faced one of longest periods of subzero cold since 1961, forcing code blue' and extreme weather warnings

• Deadly cold tests New York's ability to protect its homeless communities

The death toll related to New York City's dangerous and enduring cold has risen to 18, officials said on Sunday.

The climbing number of fatalities came as a stark reminder of the danger of the subzero temperatures gripping the area, which has been subjected to one of the longest stretches of subzero cold since 1961.