At least seven dead and 800,000 without power as major winter storm hits US

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete January 26, 2026 at 05:38 AM

AI Summary

medium article 4 min

A major winter storm has swept across the United States, resulting in at least seven deaths and widespread power outages affecting over 800,000 households. The storm, which began recently and is expected to last for days, has caused dangerous conditions from Texas to New England, leading to school and road closures and the cancellation of over 11,000 flights. Deaths have been reported in Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, and Kansas, with hypothermia suspected in several cases. The storm is impacting an estimated 180 million Americans with heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain, hindering recovery efforts. Officials are urging residents to stay indoors as the "arctic siege" brings the coldest weather seen in years.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Austin 40% Kathy Hochul 40% Zohran Mamdani 40% New York City 40% Tennessee ×250% Kansas ×250% Louisiana ×260% New England 60% National Weather Service (NWS) 70% Texas ×270% United States ×490%

Keywords

winter storm 100% power outages 80% weather-related deaths 70% hypothermia 70% flight cancellations 60% extreme cold 60% national weather service 50% freezing rain 50%