Severe Cold Grips Much of the U.S. After Winter Storm Kills at Least 16

NEW YORK - At least 16 people have died across the United States as a powerful winter storm and brutal cold sweep through much of the country, according to local officials. Fatalities have been reported in Pennsylvania (3), Tennessee (3), Louisiana (3), Texas (2), Mississippi (2), Kansas (1), Massachusetts (1), and Arkansas (1).

While the heaviest snow from the weekend storm is now moving offshore, its impacts remain widespread. More than 200 million people are under alerts for dangerous cold, affecting nearly every state east of the Rockies, excluding parts of New England.

The storm has triggered massive power outages, leaving over 820,000 customers without electricity as of this morning. Tennessee alone accounts for more than 250,000 outages, as ice accumulation and strong winds continue to damage power lines.

Travel disruptions remain severe. Airlines canceled more than 12,000 flights yesterday, with nearly 4,000 additional cancellations today, as snow, ice, and freezing rain continue to cripple airports and ground transportation.

In the Northeast, snow showers will linger, with additional accumulation expected tonight, particularly in New England and upstate New York. Along the Great Lakes, lake-effect snow is forecast to persist for the next several days.

Meanwhile, freezing rain continues to pose a major threat across parts of the mid-Atlantic, including northern North Carolina, southeastern Virginia, and potentially along the Interstate 95 corridor up to New York City. Officials warn that combined icing could worsen road conditions and lead to additional power outages.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said seven people have been found dead since the extreme cold hit the city, with victims discovered outdoors in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

The deaths are still under investigation.

Authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel, prepare for prolonged extreme cold, and check on the elderly and other vulnerable individuals as the storm’s dangerous conditions continue.