Winter Storm Brings Fatalities and Power Outages Across the United States

At Least 20 US States Declare Emergency as Millions Face Power Outages

A severe winter storm has brought widespread disruptions across the United States, with at least 10 people confirmed dead and nearly a million without power. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued warnings for extreme cold temperatures that are expected to persist for several days.

As of Sunday night, more than 840,000 customers were without electricity, primarily in the Southern states where the storm intensified on Saturday. Tennessee reported over 300,000 outages, while Louisiana, Mississippi, and Georgia each had more than 100,000 power losses.

The US capital, Washington D.C., as well as at least 20 other states, have declared states of emergency due to the severe weather conditions. Officials have urged residents to remain indoors due to treacherous cold temperatures that could break records.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani reported five people found dead outdoors over the weekend in subzero temperatures. In Texas, three deaths were confirmed, including a 16-year-old girl killed in a sledding accident. Two people died in Louisiana from hypothermia.

The PowerOutage.com tracking site shows the extent of the power outages, with many areas experiencing long-duration disruptions. The NWS has warned of “long-duration power outages, extensive tree damage, and extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions” due to heavy ice.

Scientists have noted that such extreme weather events may be linked to climate change, although the debate is ongoing. Authorities have also warned of life-threatening cold temperatures expected in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, where wind chill temperatures are forecast to reach -45 degrees Celsius (-50 degrees Fahrenheit).

Source: Al Jazeera