US gripped by severe winter storm with snow, ice and plunging temperatures – latest news

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 7 min read 100% complete by Vicky Graham (now) and Tom Ambrose (earlier)January 26, 2026 at 03:36 PM

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long article 7 min

A severe winter storm is impacting the United States, bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, and extreme cold to 26 states from Texas to Massachusetts. Beginning Friday, the storm caused widespread travel disruption and power outages, leaving over 800,000 households without electricity as of Sunday night. Parts of Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky experienced significant ice accumulation, while cities like New York and Philadelphia saw heavy snowfall. At least seven deaths are linked to the extreme conditions, and three deaths in Kentucky are being investigated. The deep freeze is also causing trees to "explode" due to rapid freezing. The mayor of Pittsburgh declared a state of emergency due to the storm, and flight cancellations continue.

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Key Player Opposition Context

Massachusetts 40% Oklahoma 40% Philadelphia 50% Tennessee 50% Mississippi 50% New York 50% National Weather Service 60% Corey O’Connor ×270% Texas ×270% Kentucky ×270% Pittsburgh ×370% United States ×490%

Keywords

severe winter storm 100% snow 80% ice 80% freezing rain 70% extreme cold 70% power outages 60% state of emergency 50% travel disruption 50% exploding trees 40%