Millions of Americans were digging out from heavy snow and ice on Monday as a powerful winter storm moved out of the eastern United States, leaving behind dangerous cold, travel chaos, and widespread damage. The system brought heavy snowfall from New Mexico to New England and caused widespread disruption across large parts of the country.
Authorities said at least 18 people have died in storm-related incidents across several states. Emergency crews continued rescue and recovery operations as communities faced days of freezing temperatures and hazardous conditions.
Widespread Snow and Ice Paralyze Communities
Large areas of the country were blanketed with snow and ice, making roads treacherous and travel extremely difficult. From Texas and North Carolina to New York and Massachusetts, highways were coated in ice and deep snowdrifts.
More than two dozen governors declared states of emergency as conditions worsened. In parts of the southern United States, where severe winter weather is rare, thick layers of ice brought down trees and power lines, leaving many neighborhoods without electricity.
Deadly Impact Across Multiple States
Authorities confirmed multiple fatalities linked to the storm. In Texas, a teenage girl died in a sledding accident, while another young person was killed in Arkansas after being pulled by an all-terrain vehicle that struck a tree. In Pennsylvania, three people reportedly died while shoveling snow.
In Austin, officials said one person died from suspected hypothermia after seeking shelter in an abandoned building. New York City officials also reported several deaths connected to prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, urging residents to check on vulnerable individuals.
Extreme Cold Expected to Persist
Although the storm system moved offshore on Monday, weather experts warned that an intense wave of Arctic air would follow. Meteorologists said dangerously low temperatures are expected to continue for several days, extending the impact well into the week.
Forecasters estimated that nearly 200 million people were under some form of cold weather alert, stretching from the Canadian border to the Gulf Coast. In parts of Texas, temperatures dropped below zero, while cities such as New York, Washington, and Boston faced prolonged single-digit readings.
Power Outages and Travel Disruptions Continue
Nearly 800,000 homes and businesses across the southeastern United States were without electricity, according to power monitoring data. Tennessee reported the highest number of outages, affecting hundreds of thousands of customers.
Read Also: Severe Winter Storm Disrupts US Travel, Thousands of Flights Cancelled
Air travel was also heavily affected. More than 12,500 flights were canceled across the country on Sunday, marking one of the worst disruption days since the pandemic era. By Monday morning, nearly 4,000 additional flights had already been canceled or delayed.
Transportation officials said airport operations were expected to gradually return to normal by midweek, depending on weather conditions.
Authorities Urge Caution as Recovery Begins
Officials continue to urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel, conserve heat, and check on elderly neighbors and those without shelter. Emergency services remain on high alert as crews work to restore power and clear roadways.
Weather experts warned that even as snow clears, dangerously cold temperatures could pose ongoing risks, especially in areas not accustomed to prolonged winter conditions.