US Winter Storm Claims Lives and Leaves Millions Without Power
Published 24 January 2026
Highlights
- A severe winter storm has caused at least seven deaths and left over a million people without power across the US.
- The storm has led to the cancellation of more than 11,000 flights and has affected 140 million Americans with snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
- States from Texas to New England are experiencing life-threatening conditions, prompting emergency declarations in 17 states.
- Hypothermia-related deaths have been reported in Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, and Kansas, with New York City also reporting fatalities.
- Authorities warn of dangerous ice conditions, which could lead to further power outages and hazardous travel.
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Rewritten Article
US Winter Storm Claims Lives and Leaves Millions Without Power
A devastating winter storm has swept across the United States, resulting in at least seven fatalities and leaving over a million people without electricity. The storm, which has stretched from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast, has brought heavy snowfall, sleet, and freezing rain, creating perilous conditions for millions of Americans.
Widespread Impact and Power Outages
The storm has severely impacted states from Texas to New England, with the National Weather Service (NWS) warning of "life-threatening" conditions. As of Sunday afternoon, poweroutage.us reported that more than 800,000 households were without power, with Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas among the hardest hit. The Department of Energy has issued emergency orders to mitigate blackouts, particularly in Texas, where backup generation resources are being deployed.
Flight Cancellations and Travel Disruptions
The severe weather has also led to significant travel disruptions, with FlightAware reporting over 11,000 flight cancellations. Roads across the Midwest and Southern US have become treacherous due to ice, leading to numerous accidents. In Virginia and Kentucky, authorities have responded to hundreds of road crashes, highlighting the storm's far-reaching impact.
Tragic Loss of Life
Tragically, the storm has claimed lives across several states. In Louisiana, two men succumbed to hypothermia, while similar deaths have been reported in Texas, Tennessee, and Kansas. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani noted that at least five people were found dead in the city, although their causes of death remain under investigation. "It is a reminder that every year New Yorkers succumb to the cold," Mamdani stated.
Emergency Declarations and Warnings
In response to the storm, 17 states and the District of Columbia have declared weather emergencies. Former President Donald Trump approved federal emergency disaster declarations for several states, urging residents to "stay safe and stay warm." Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, emphasized the importance of stocking up on essentials as utility crews work to restore power.
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Scenario Analysis
As the storm continues to wreak havoc, the immediate focus will be on restoring power and ensuring the safety of affected residents. The prolonged cold and ice conditions could delay recovery efforts, leading to extended power outages and further travel disruptions. Experts warn that the storm's aftermath may exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, particularly for the homeless and those without adequate heating. In the longer term, this extreme weather event may prompt discussions on infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness in the face of increasingly severe weather patterns.
A devastating winter storm has swept across the United States, resulting in at least seven fatalities and leaving over a million people without electricity. The storm, which has stretched from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast, has brought heavy snowfall, sleet, and freezing rain, creating perilous conditions for millions of Americans.
Widespread Impact and Power Outages
The storm has severely impacted states from Texas to New England, with the National Weather Service (NWS) warning of "life-threatening" conditions. As of Sunday afternoon, poweroutage.us reported that more than 800,000 households were without power, with Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas among the hardest hit. The Department of Energy has issued emergency orders to mitigate blackouts, particularly in Texas, where backup generation resources are being deployed.
Flight Cancellations and Travel Disruptions
The severe weather has also led to significant travel disruptions, with FlightAware reporting over 11,000 flight cancellations. Roads across the Midwest and Southern US have become treacherous due to ice, leading to numerous accidents. In Virginia and Kentucky, authorities have responded to hundreds of road crashes, highlighting the storm's far-reaching impact.
Tragic Loss of Life
Tragically, the storm has claimed lives across several states. In Louisiana, two men succumbed to hypothermia, while similar deaths have been reported in Texas, Tennessee, and Kansas. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani noted that at least five people were found dead in the city, although their causes of death remain under investigation. "It is a reminder that every year New Yorkers succumb to the cold," Mamdani stated.
Emergency Declarations and Warnings
In response to the storm, 17 states and the District of Columbia have declared weather emergencies. Former President Donald Trump approved federal emergency disaster declarations for several states, urging residents to "stay safe and stay warm." Kristi Noem, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, emphasized the importance of stocking up on essentials as utility crews work to restore power.
What this might mean
As the storm continues to wreak havoc, the immediate focus will be on restoring power and ensuring the safety of affected residents. The prolonged cold and ice conditions could delay recovery efforts, leading to extended power outages and further travel disruptions. Experts warn that the storm's aftermath may exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, particularly for the homeless and those without adequate heating. In the longer term, this extreme weather event may prompt discussions on infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness in the face of increasingly severe weather patterns.
