Colossal Winter Storm Leaves Dozens Dead As 220 Million Americans Face Extreme Cold

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – Some 220 million Americans were on alert Tuesday for extreme cold after a colossal winter storm heaped more snow on the Northeast, kept parts of the South coated in ice, and led to dozens of deaths, authorities said.

At least 32 deaths are now linked to the storm, with fatalities reported in multiple states afflicted by severe cold, officials confirmed.

Deep snow — more than a foot (about 30 centimeters) in many areas — stretched across a roughly 1,300-mile (about 2,100-kilometer) swath from Arkansas to New England, halting traffic, canceling flights, and prompting widespread school closures Monday.

The National Weather Service reported that areas north of Pittsburgh received up to 20 inches (50 centimeters) of snow, with wind chills dipping as low as minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 31 degrees Celsius) late Monday into Tuesday.

POWER OUTAGES AND CRIPPLED TRAVEL

The storm knocked out electricity for hundreds of thousands, if not more than half a million, homes and businesses, particularly in southern states, where ice damage snapped power lines and caused extensive blackouts.

Officials warned that it could take days — or even up to 10 days — to fully restore power in the hardest-hit areas.

The National Weather Service warned that another blast of Arctic air would spread from the plains through the East and Southeast later this week, with more record lows expected as far south as Florida.

Travel disruptions remained severe on Tuesday. American Airlines reported that the storm produced the most flight cancellations in the carrier’s 100-year history, with more than 9,000 flights scrapped and impacts expected to linger for days.

In Houston, airports reported fewer cancellations Tuesday, but flights were still delayed or disrupted as freezing conditions persisted. Transportation officials said air travel may return to near-normal by Wednesday, barring further weather setbacks.

OFFICIALS WARN OF CONTINUED DANGER

Emergency officials continued issuing cold-weather warnings across large swaths of the country, emphasizing the risk of hypothermia and frostbite for anyone exposed to the elements.

National Guard units and other responders were mobilized to assist with power restoration, the establishment of warming centers, and safety checks for vulnerable populations.

President Donald J. Trump, while approving federal disaster declarations in multiple states, urged residents in affected areas to remain cautious and stay warm as the storm’s effects continue.

Authorities reported some of the most dangerous conditions across parts of Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana, where thick ice left roads impassable, and prolonged blackouts threatened vulnerable residents.

In the Northeast, heavy snow snarled highways from Pennsylvania through New York and into New England, while emergency shelters filled in several cities as temperatures plunged well below freezing.

With freezing temperatures forecast to remain entrenched for several more days, officials are urging Americans to minimize travel, check on neighbors, and seek shelter to avoid additional weather-related fatalities and accidents.

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