US Snowstorm: A snowstorm in the United States has disrupted daily life in several cities. People are confined to their homes. The death toll has risen due to this severe snowstorm and cold weather. Freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, ice, and sub-zero winds are affecting most parts of the country.
The death toll from the severe winter storm in the United States has reached at least 30 as of January 27, 2026 (latest reports from AP, The Guardian, Euronews, and others).
Heavy snowfall and sub-zero winds are affecting most parts of the country, increasing risks of hypothermia, traffic accidents, and carbon monoxide poisoning from generators.
Details of reported deaths (compiled from state/local authorities and major news sources):
New York City
At least 8 people were found dead outdoors during the frigid weekend (hypothermia suspected in several cases).
Tennessee: 4 deaths.
Pennsylvania: 3 deaths.
Texas: 3 deaths (including a teenager in a sledding accident and cases of hypothermia).
Louisiana: 3 deaths (hypothermia and related incidents).
Mississippi: 2 deaths.
Arkansas: 2 deaths (including a 17-year-old in a sledding accident).
Massachusetts: 2 deaths (including one death from being struck by a snowplow).
Ohio: 1-2 (including snowplow-related deaths).
Kansas: 1 (a woman was found covered in snow after leaving a bar; hypothermia).
Other states (e.g., Kentucky, South Carolina, New Jersey, North Carolina): One death reported in each, with investigations ongoing for additional fatalities.
Some sources suggest the death toll could rise further (e.g., up to 34 in some updates, or up to 50 in early Wikipedia figures), as more deaths are confirmed or investigated. Causes include hypothermia, sledding/ice-related accidents, snowplow incidents, carbon monoxide poisoning, and medical emergencies during power outages or while clearing snow.
Ongoing Impacts (as of January 27, 2026):
Power Outages
Millions of people remain without power (reports vary from 500,000+ to over 700,000 initially), concentrated in the South (e.g., Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas) due to downed lines and trees from ice. Restoration in some areas could take several days.
Extreme Cold and Wind Chills
Extreme cold and wind chills (feeling as low as -20°F/-29°C or lower in some areas) persist across the Midwest, Northeast, South, and Plains. Average temperatures across the lower 48 states reached record lows for the first time since 2014.
Travel and Disruptions
Thousands of flights canceled/delayed (over 10,000 affected over the weekend), roads closed, travel restrictions in several states, and reduced Amtrak service in the Northeast.
Weather Alerts
Cold weather warnings/advisories for over 200 million people; another potential storm is being monitored for parts of the East Coast later this week.
Federal Response
Several states (including Arkansas, Georgia, West Virginia, etc.) have received federal disaster declarations for assistance.
This storm is being described as “historic” and “potentially the most expensive severe weather event” in recent years (AccuWeather’s initial damage estimate is $105-115 billion). Vulnerable groups (homeless people, the elderly, those without heating) remain at heightened risk.
(With agency inputs)