At least 30 people have lost their lives in the United States due to a severe snowstorm

A powerful snowstorm and bitterly cold weather have wreaked havoc across the United States, resulting in at least 30 deaths and widespread disruption. The storm has forced the cancellation of thousands of flights and left millions without electricity, prompting the declaration of states of emergency in at least 25 states, according to the Associated Press.

The extreme winter conditions have stretched from the northern states of New York and Massachusetts to the southern states of Texas and North Carolina, with snowfall reaching up to 18 inches in some areas. Temperatures plummeted as low as −18°C, exposing approximately 118 million people to hazardous conditions. Authorities have urged more than 150 million residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

The highest number of fatalities has been reported in New York State, where five people have lost their lives. In response, Governor Kathy Hochul deployed the National Guard in New York City, while Mayor Johanna Mamdani urged residents in need of assistance to come forward. Additional deaths have been reported in Tennessee, Louisiana, Texas, Massachusetts, and Kansas, highlighting the storm’s widespread impact.

The snowstorm has caused unprecedented disruption to air travel. On Sunday alone, over 11,000 flights were cancelled nationwide. Flight-tracking website FlightAware.com warned that cancellations could continue to rise, particularly on Monday. Meanwhile, by 4 a.m. local time on Monday, more than 820,000 customers were without electricity, spanning Texas to Virginia.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the core of the snowstorm was expected to shift from the northeastern United States toward the Atlantic coast. However, the movement of Arctic air into the region could result in further heavy snowfall and rain, particularly across the northeast. Meteorologists have warned that these extreme winter conditions are likely to persist for several more days.

Summary of Key Impacts

Authorities continue to monitor the storm closely, emphasising that residents should avoid travel where possible, stock up on essentials, and remain indoors to mitigate risks. With temperatures expected to stay well below freezing in many areas, the U.S. faces several more days of challenging winter weather.