At least seven dead and 800,000 without power as major winter storm hits US

A powerful winter storm sweeping across large parts of the United States has brought life-threatening conditions, resulting in at least seven reported deaths and leaving more than 800,000 households without electricity, while also prompting widespread school closures, travel disruptions and emergency responses across the country.

The storm system, which stretches from Texas through the Midwest and up to New England, has delivered heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Forecasters warned that hazardous conditions could persist for several days, affecting an estimated 180 million Americans — more than half of the US population — as authorities continue to urge caution and preparedness.

Tragically, officials confirmed that at least two people died from hypothermia in Louisiana. Additional storm-related fatalities have been reported in Texas, Tennessee and Kansas. In Kansas, authorities said a woman whose body was discovered covered in snow on Sunday afternoon may have succumbed to hypothermia, while Tennessee officials confirmed three weather-related deaths. In Texas, the mayor of Austin reported an “exposure-related” fatality linked to the extreme cold.

In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said at least five people died on Saturday, though he noted that the exact causes of death were still under investigation. He added that the situation serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by extreme cold, particularly to vulnerable populations.

Beyond the human toll, the storm has caused extensive disruption to daily life and infrastructure. As of Sunday afternoon, poweroutage.us reported that more than 800,000 homes and businesses were without electricity, while FlightAware recorded over 11,000 cancelled flights as airports struggled with icy runways and severe weather conditions. Roads across multiple states were closed, and school districts opted to suspend classes to ensure student safety.

Despite the severity of the storm, officials across affected states emphasized the importance of coordinated response efforts, community support and adherence to safety guidance. Emergency services, utility crews and local governments continue working around the clock to restore power, clear roads and protect those most at risk.