Winter Storm Sweeps U.S., Claims Lives and Causes Disruption

A severe winter storm has impacted a large portion of the United States, stretching from Texas to New England, bringing heavy snow, ice, and dangerously low temperatures. As of January 26, 2026, the storm has been linked to at least 30 deaths. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings about continued frigid air and the potential for another winter storm on the East Coast.

Impact and Casualties

The storm has resulted in at least 30 fatalities across several states.

• Texas: A 16-year-old died in a sledding accident in Frisco, and another person was found dead from apparent hypothermia in the Austin area.
• Louisiana: Three winter storm-related deaths have been reported.
• Arkansas: A 17-year-old boy was killed in a sledding accident.
• North Carolina: A man was found dead on a highway.
• New York City: Eight people were found dead outdoors.
• Kansas: A woman was found dead covered in snow, suspected to have died from hypothermia.
• Massachusetts: A woman died after being struck by a snow plow.
• Ohio: A person was run over by a snowplow.
• Mississippi: Two deaths were reported by the state's Governor, Tate Reeves.
• Tennessee: Three weather-related deaths were reported.
• Iowa: One person was killed and two others injured during a winter weather related collision.

Widespread Disruption

The storm has caused significant disruption across the affected regions:

• Power Outages: Over 800,000 homes and businesses were without power, particularly in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
• Travel Disruption: Thousands of flights have been canceled, and roads have become impassable due to snow and ice.
• School Closures: Wide school closures have been triggered due to the severe weather conditions.

Extreme Cold and Forecasts

The National Weather Service has warned that frigid air will continue to spread across the eastern two-thirds of the country, with sub-zero temperatures expected. Wind chills as low as minus 31 degrees Celsius were expected north of Pittsburgh. Forecasters have also indicated the possibility of another winter storm hitting the East Coast this weekend. Almost 200 million Americans were under some form of extreme cold alert, from the Canadian border to the Gulf of Mexico.

Conclusion

The severe winter storm has brought widespread disruption and tragedy to the United States. With at least 30 deaths reported and millions under cold alerts, the situation remains critical as the country braces for continued freezing temperatures and the potential for more severe weather.