A massive winter storm swept across the United States, killing at least 30 people and leaving more than 540,000 without power. Cities from New Mexico to Maine were hit by heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and strong winds. Authorities warned that life-threatening cold could continue through February 1, complicating recovery efforts.
The National Weather Service said record-low temperatures struck southern states unaccustomed to extreme winter weather. Northern states received over two feet of snow in some areas, including 22 inches in parts of Connecticut and 16 inches in Boston. Thousands of flights were canceled, and roads became impassable due to snow and ice.
Read more: US storm leaves 850,000 without power; 10,000 flights cancelled
Several fatalities were linked to hypothermia, traffic accidents, snow-related injuries, and a small plane crash in Maine that killed seven people. In New York City, eight people were found dead amid plunging temperatures, and investigations are ongoing. Emergency shelters opened in major cities to help residents cope with the extreme cold.
Latest update on the dangerously cold temperatures impacting the eastern U.S. through this weekend. pic.twitter.com/ouTtuXBXuU
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) January 26, 2026
Electricity began returning slowly in southern states, but Tennessee, Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana remained heavily impacted. Falling trees and ice caused repeated outages, and authorities warned that power restoration could take days. Meteorologists said southern regions are less prepared for storms, making recovery slower and more dangerous.
Read more: Historic winter storm disrupts US travel, power supply
Scientists explained that the storm resulted from a stretched polar vortex, which sent Arctic air deep into North America. They noted that climate change could increase the frequency of such extreme winter events. The storm’s dry, fluffy snow made road clearing difficult and delayed relief efforts across many states.