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Several dead, thousands without power as winter storm hits US
26 Jan 2026

A major winter storm has hit the United States, killing at least seven people and leaving hundreds of thousands without power.

Of the seven, at least two died of hypothermia.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned of "life-threatening" conditions from Texas to New England.

As of Sunday afternoon, nearly 900,000 homes were without electricity and over 10,000 flights were canceled due to the severe weather.

Storm's impact felt across multiple states
Widespread disruption

The storm has caused widespread disruption, with schools and roads closed across the country.

Widespread heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain, a dangerous phenomenon where cooled rain droplets freeze instantaneously on surfaces, could last for days.

Meteorologist Allison Santorelli from NWS warned that "the snow and the ice will be very, very slow to melt and won't be going away any time soon."

Fatalities reported, emergency declarations made
State response

Louisiana's Department of Health confirmed two men died of hypothermia due to the storm.

Austin's mayor also reported an "exposure-related" death.

In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said at least five people died but their causes are still under investigation.

Nearly half of US states have declared emergencies in response to the storm's impact.

Polar vortex triggers extreme weather conditions
Weather phenomenon

The polar vortex, a ring of strong westerly winds above the Arctic, is responsible for this powerful storm.

When these winds weaken, cold air plunges toward the US, creating storm fronts as it meets warmer southern air.

This winter storm is expected to remain dangerously cold into early February.

Some experts believe climate change may be affecting the polar vortex's behavior due to rising sea surface temperatures.