A powerful winter storm sweeping across the United States has killed at least 10 people, triggered mass flight cancellations and left nearly a million homes without electricity, as dangerously cold conditions persisted into Monday.
At least 20 states and the US capital, Washington, DC, have declared states of emergency as snow, sleet and freezing rain battered large parts of the country. Authorities warned residents to stay off roads, citing life-threatening travel conditions and prolonged disruptions.
Deaths reported amid extreme cold
In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said five people were found dead outdoors over the weekend during subzero temperatures. While the exact causes were not confirmed, he described the deaths as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extreme cold.
Texas authorities confirmed three deaths, including a 16-year-old girl killed in a sledding accident. In Louisiana, the state health department reported two deaths due to hypothermia.
Power outages worsen risks
According to tracking website PowerOutage.com, more than 840,000 customers were without electricity by Sunday night, mostly across southern states unaccustomed to severe winter weather. Tennessee alone reported over 300,000 outages, while Louisiana, Mississippi and Georgia each saw more than 100,000 homes and businesses lose power.
The outages are particularly dangerous as record-breaking cold grips the region, increasing the risk of hypothermia and other cold-related illnesses.
Arctic air to prolong disruption
The National Weather Service warned that Arctic air trailing the storm system would push temperatures to dangerously low levels for several days. Wind chill temperatures in parts of the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest are expected to plunge to minus 45 degrees Celsius, conditions that can cause frostbite within minutes.
Several major airports in New York, Philadelphia and Washington cancelled most flights, compounding travel chaos.
Scientists said the storm is linked to a stretched polar vortex, a phenomenon that can allow frigid Arctic air to spill southwards. Some researchers believe such events may be occurring more frequently due to climate change, though the debate remains ongoing.