U.S. Winter Storm Kills at Least 30 as Bitter Cold Continues to Lash the Nation

At least 30 people have died across the United States due to the effects of a powerful winter storm, as severe freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall and icy conditions continue to disrupt normal life in large parts of the country, authorities and weather agencies said.
The storm, described as one of the harshest of the season, swept across several states, bringing bone-chilling cold, blizzards and freezing rain from the South and Midwest to the Northeast. In many regions, temperatures plunged well below freezing, with dangerous wind chills posing a serious risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
According to officials, the fatalities were caused by a range of storm-related incidents, including exposure to extreme cold, road accidents, snow-related mishaps and medical emergencies aggravated by the weather. Several deaths were reported among vulnerable populations, including the homeless, as overnight temperatures dropped sharply.
The winter storm also triggered widespread disruption. Thousands of flights were cancelled or delayed as major airports struggled with snow-covered runways and poor visibility. Road travel was severely affected, with highways and local roads rendered hazardous due to ice and snow accumulation. Schools and government offices were shut in multiple states as a precautionary measure.
Power outages were reported in parts of the country after ice-laden winds damaged power lines, leaving hundreds of thousands of homes without electricity during sub-zero conditions. Emergency crews worked to restore services while local administrations opened warming centres for those without access to heat.
The National Weather Service warned that the extreme cold is expected to persist in the coming days, as another surge of Arctic air moves across the region. Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, dress in layers, check on elderly neighbours and ensure adequate heating.
State and federal agencies remain on high alert as the country grapples with the continuing impact of the deadly winter storm, with officials cautioning that the situation could worsen before conditions improve.