A powerful winter storm sweeping across the United States has been linked to at least 30 deaths, as extreme cold, heavy snow, and ice disrupt daily life from Texas to New England. Authorities report storm-related fatalities caused by hypothermia, road accidents, and winter activities such as sledding.
More than 200 million people are currently under cold weather alerts, with forecasters warning that dangerously low temperatures and severe wind chills could persist through the week. Sub-zero conditions and record-breaking cold are expected across large parts of the eastern and central US.
The storm has also caused widespread infrastructure damage. Over 670,000 homes and businesses remained without power as freezing rain and falling trees damaged power lines, particularly in southern states. Emergency crews have been deployed to restore electricity and clear debris.
Travel disruptions have been extensive, with tens of thousands of flights cancelled over the weekend and into Monday. Schools, universities, museums, and public institutions across several states have shut down or shifted to remote operations due to hazardous conditions.
While snowfall has eased in many regions, weather officials warned that another significant winter storm could impact the eastern US later this week, urging residents to stay informed and take precautions as extreme cold continues.