---
title: 'Historic Winter Storm Claims 10 Lives Across US'
url: 'https://thediplomaticinsight.com/winter-storm-claims-10-lives-across-us/'
author: 'News Desk'
date: '2026-01-26T19:36:11+05:00'
categories:
  - 'North America'
  - 'World'
---

# Historic Winter Storm Claims 10 Lives Across US

**Washington (TDI):** A massive winter storm sweeping across large parts of the United States has left at least 10 people dead, forced widespread road closures, triggered flight cancellations, and caused major power outages, as dangerously cold conditions continued into Monday.

The storm brought a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain, while an Arctic air mass trailing the system is expected to keep temperatures perilously low for several days, prolonging disruptions to daily life. The US National Weather Service (NWS) warned Americans to brace for continued severe winter conditions.

In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani reported five deaths over the weekend due to exposure to the extreme cold, calling the tragedy “a powerful reminder of the danger of extreme cold.” In Texas, three deaths were confirmed, including a 16-year-old girl killed in a sledding accident. Louisiana’s health department reported two hypothermia-related fatalities.

The storm has also caused major power outages, especially in the US South. According to PowerOutage.com, over 840,000 customers were without electricity as of Sunday night. Tennessee saw more than 300,000 outages, while Louisiana, Mississippi, and Georgia each experienced over 100,000 outages, a rare occurrence in these southern states.

Authorities from Texas to New York urged residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary. The Texas Emergency Management Division warned, “Stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.”

**Read More: [Death Toll From Hurricane Melissa 49 as Massive Storm Heads Towards Bermuda](https://thediplomaticinsight.com/death-toll-from-hurricane-melissa-49/)**

The storm reached the Northeast on Sunday, blanketing cities including Philadelphia, New York, and Boston with snow and sleet. At least 20 states and Washington, D.C., have declared states of emergency. Federal offices in the capital were closed Monday, and nearly all flights at major airports in Washington, Philadelphia, and New York were canceled. Flight tracking site FlightAware reported over 19,000 flights canceled nationwide since Saturday.

President Donald Trump, staying at the White House, urged residents to “Stay Safe, and Stay Warm!” on his Truth Social platform.

The system is linked to a stretched polar vortex, a mass of extremely cold Arctic air that sometimes shifts out of its usual circular pattern, sending frigid temperatures across North America. Scientists note that such disruptions may become more frequent due to climate change, though natural variability still plays a role.

**Read More: [Tropical Storm Melissa Threatens Caribbean Islands with Heavy Rain, Flood Risks](https://thediplomaticinsight.com/tropical-storm-melissa-threatens-caribbean-islands/)**

The NWS warned that the heavy ice could cause “long-duration power outages, extensive tree damage, and extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions,” especially in areas unaccustomed to severe winter weather. Wind chill in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest is forecast to fall below -50°F (-45°C), where frostbite can occur within minutes.