Deadly Winter Storms Sweep Across United States Leaving Multiple Fatalities
Several people have been killed after major snow storms swept through the United States, impacting nearly 180 million residents across the country. The widespread weather system brought snow, sleet, and freezing rain, resulting in hundreds of flight cancellations and leaving millions without power as areas grapple with dangerously cold conditions.
Storm Path and Accumulation Details
After moving through the southern states, the storm dumped significant snowfall from Washington through New York and Boston, with accumulations reaching one to two feet in some regions. Other areas experienced inches of ice accumulation, creating hazardous conditions on roads and infrastructure.
Specific snowfall reports include:
- 8 inches in Arkansas
- 11 inches in Illinois and Ohio
- 13 inches in Indiana
- 8 inches in Kansas
- 12 inches in Missouri
- 7 inches in Oklahoma
- 6 inches in Texas
- 5 inches in Tennessee
Fatalities and Health Concerns
In Louisiana, two men died from hypothermia in Caddo Parish according to the Louisiana Department of Public Health. Authorities express concern that the death toll could increase as freezing temperatures are expected to linger for several days.
National Weather Service meteorologist Brian Hurley warned: 'The dangers aren't over even with the precipitation ending. A lot of the areas that are still getting the heavy ice, freezing rain, sleet and snow, will stay below freezing through the work week. We worry about people having cold weather exposure with no power.'
Temperatures are predicted to drop to levels where frostbite could develop within just 10 minutes of exposure, creating significant health risks for vulnerable populations.
Transportation and Infrastructure Impact
The storm has caused massive disruption to air travel, with nearly 10,300 flights cancelled on Sunday alone according to flight-tracking site FlightAware. Aviation analytics firm Cirium reported this represents the highest cancellation event since the pandemic began.
Dozens of state governors have urged residents to stay indoors as weather conditions may become more turbulent in the coming days. The National Weather Service has described temperatures as 'dangerously cold' and expects weather warnings to remain in place for several days.
Government Response and Cultural Impact
US President Donald Trump stated his administration is working with local officials, adding that 'FEMA is fully prepared to respond' to the emergency situation.
The extreme weather has also forced the cancellation or rescheduling of Mardi Gras parades across Louisiana, disrupting the annual celebration that typically precedes Ash Wednesday.
Millions remain without power as utility companies work to restore services amid challenging conditions, while emergency services continue to respond to weather-related incidents across affected states.
