US: At Least 33 Killed as Colossal Winter Storm and Freezing Cold Pummel Country, Millions Without Power

At least 33 people were killed as winter storm batters across United States filling knee deep snow on streets. Millions of people are without power. The massive storm moved east side of the country leaving snow piled up across Northeast on Monday, January 26.

In South US, rainfall with winds snapped trees and power lines, leaving hundreds without electricity. Officials said the death toll continued to rise as the storm swept from Arkansas to New England.

A massive winter storm impacted a vast swath of the United States this weekend, delivering widespread snow, ice, power outages, and travel disruptions from Texas to New England. https://t.co/SI1BHbzTF8pic.twitter.com/GDwEOtwVBr

— AccuWeather (@accuweather) January 27, 2026

Deep snow of more than a foot spread across a 1,300-mile swath from Arkansas to New England, disturbing vehicular traffic, cancelled flight and triggered school holiday Monday. According to National Weather Service (NWS), Pittsburgh areas got up to 20 inches snow as low as minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Deaths were reported in several states. Two people were run over by snowplows in Massachusetts and Ohio. Teenagers were killed in sledding accidents in Arkansas and Texas. In Kansas, police using bloodhounds found a woman dead and covered in snow after she was last seen leaving a bar without her coat or phone. In New York City, officials said eight people were found dead outdoors during the frigid weekend.

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Authorities have confirmed a rising death toll following a severe winter storm that impacted multiple regions across the United States. In Massachusetts and Ohio, two individuals were killed after being struck by snowplows, while fatal sledding accidents claimed the lives of teenagers in Arkansas and Texas. In Kansas, police using bloodhounds discovered the body of a woman covered in snow after she was reported missing from a local bar. In New York City, municipal officials reported that eight people were found dead outdoors during the period of extreme cold over the weekend.

Utility infrastructure has also been significantly affected, with over 560,000 customers remaining without electricity as of Monday evening. The majority of these outages are concentrated in the South, where freezing rain caused ice accumulation, leading to downed trees and power lines in northern Mississippi and parts of Tennessee. Utility providers have cautioned that restoration efforts in these areas could take several days.

In Mississippi, state agencies are currently coordinating the delivery of cots, blankets, water, and generators to emergency warming centres. Governor Tate Reeves confirmed Monday evening that the state is facing its most severe ice storm since 1994, with major damage reported to at least 14 homes, one business, and 20 public roads. Local officials continue to assess the full extent of the structural damage as recovery efforts proceed.