At least seven people have died as a result of a severe winter storm sweeping across the eastern two-thirds of the United States, bringing heavy snow, sleet, and dangerously cold temperatures. The storm has left more than one million customers without power in the south and caused over 10,000 flight cancellations.
The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed two deaths from hypothermia in Caddo Parish. In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani reported five deaths among homeless individuals before snowfall began, describing the extreme cold as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of those without shelter.
The National Weather Service warned of up to 18 inches of snow in New England and significant ice accumulation in the Mid-Atlantic and Ohio/Tennessee Valleys. President Donald Trump approved federal emergency declarations for 12 states, including South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee, calling the storms historic.
Power outages exceeded 900,000 by Sunday morning, with Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas hardest hit. The Department of Energy issued emergency orders to allow backup generation in Texas and the mid-Atlantic region to prevent further blackouts.
More than 10,500 flights were cancelled on Sunday, with additional cancellations on Monday. Airlines urged passengers to stay alert for changes. Forecasters predicted record low temperatures and dangerous wind chills across the Great Plains by Monday.
