A massive winter storm has killed at least seven Americans and left more than 800,000 households without power as dangerous ice and snow conditions stretch from Texas to New England, disrupting life for over 180 million people nationwide.
Storm Claims Lives Across Multiple States
Louisiana’s Department of Health confirmed two men died from hypothermia, while weather-related deaths occurred in Texas, Tennessee, and Kansas. In Kansas, officials found a woman’s body covered in snow who likely succumbed to hypothermia. Austin’s mayor reported an exposure-related death in the Texas capital. Three additional weather-related fatalities were confirmed in Tennessee as brutal conditions continued Sunday.
The National Weather Service warned of life-threatening conditions as heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain created hazardous situations nationwide. More than 11,000 flights were canceled, according to FlightAware, while schools and roads closed across nearly half the states that declared emergencies. Virginia and Kentucky authorities responded to hundreds of vehicle crashes on icy roads.
Emergency Declarations and Government Response
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser called it the biggest snowstorm in a decade for the nation’s capital. New York Governor Kathy Hochul described an “arctic siege” bringing the longest cold stretch in years, urging residents to stay indoors. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear noted dangerous ice accumulation exceeding original snow predictions. The US Senate canceled Monday’s scheduled vote due to severe weather conditions.
Unusual Cold Reaches Southern States
Meteorologists attribute the extreme weather to a weakened polar vortex, allowing Arctic air to plunge southward. States like Texas, Louisiana, and Tennessee experienced temperatures 15-20 degrees below seasonal averages, with ice accumulations reaching one inch. National Weather Service meteorologist Allison Santorelli warned the ice and snow would melt slowly, hindering recovery efforts for days. Ontario, Canada, also reported 5-11 inches of expected snowfall with hundreds of flight cancellations.