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.

Israel has announced plans to allow a limited reopening of the Rafah crossing, signalling a potential easing of restrictions amid ongoing security operations linked to the recovery of a missing Israeli serviceman.

On Sunday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel had “agreed to a limited reopening of the Rafah crossing for pedestrian passage only, subject to a full Israeli inspection mechanism.” The move is contingent on the completion of a military operation aimed at locating and returning the remains of Ran Gvili.

In a statement, Israeli authorities said the military was “currently conducting a focused operation to exhaust all of the intelligence that has been gathered in the effort to locate and return” Gvili. The operation, they stressed, is being carried out in close coordination with the United States.

“Upon completion of this operation, and in accordance with what has been agreed upon with the US, Israel will open the Rafah crossing,” the statement added, underlining that the reopening is part of a broader, carefully managed framework designed to balance humanitarian considerations with security requirements.

Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli military confirmed that troops had “begun a targeted operation in the area of the Yellow Line in the northern Gaza Strip” as part of efforts to retrieve Gvili’s body. The Yellow Line marks the boundary of territory that remains under Israeli control in line with the current ceasefire arrangement.

China’s defence ministry has announced that it has opened an investigation into the country’s highest-ranking general, underscoring what authorities present as a renewed commitment to discipline, accountability and institutional integrity within the armed forces.

In a brief statement, the ministry said General Zhang Youxia is being investigated for what it described as “grave violations of discipline and the law.” No further details were provided, but such language in China is commonly used to indicate alleged corruption or serious breaches of party rules. The announcement also confirmed that another senior officer, General Liu Zhenli, is under investigation as part of the same process.

General Zhang, 75, is one of the most senior figures in China’s military establishment. He serves as a vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the powerful Communist Party body chaired by President Xi Jinping that exercises full control over the armed forces. Zhang is also a member of the 24-person Politburo, placing him at the heart of China’s political and military decision-making.

The move follows the expulsion of nine top generals in October, marking one of the most extensive and public military crackdowns in decades. Taken together, these actions highlight a sustained effort by the leadership to reinforce discipline at the highest levels of the People’s Liberation Army and to strengthen confidence in its command structure.

Zhang’s career has been closely intertwined with the modern history of the Chinese military. He joined the army in 1968 and is among a small group of senior leaders with direct combat experience. His family background is also notable: his father was one of the founding generals of the Chinese Communist Party, giving Zhang long-standing revolutionary credentials.

He had been retained in his post beyond the customary retirement age for senior officers, a decision widely interpreted as a sign of President Xi’s trust in his leadership and experience. That context has made the investigation particularly striking, reinforcing the message that no individual is beyond scrutiny as the party seeks to uphold its standards.

Speculation about potential investigations intensified earlier this month after rumours circulated that both Zhang and Liu were absent from a high-level party event in December, an absence that often fuels questions about officials’ standing. The defence ministry’s announcement has now provided official confirmation that formal proceedings are under way.