By Trendsetter Tribune 
A powerful winter storm sweeping across much of the United States has turned deadly, with at least 18 people confirmed dead as extreme cold, heavy snow, and ice continue to disrupt daily life from Texas to New England.
Authorities across multiple states reported weather-related deaths over the weekend. In Texas, a 16-year-old died in a sledding accident in Frisco, while another person in the Austin area was found dead from apparent hypothermia. Louisiana reported three storm-related deaths, Mississippi confirmed two, and Arkansas said a 17-year-old boy was killed in a sledding accident. In North Carolina, a man was found dead on a highway.
In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said five people were found dead outdoors amid freezing conditions. A woman in Kansas also died from hypothermia after being found covered in snow. Massachusetts officials reported a woman was killed after being struck by a snow plow, while Tennessee confirmed three weather-related deaths.
As of Monday morning, more than 200 million Americans were under cold weather alerts. The National Weather Service warned that “frigid air” will spread across much of the country, bringing sub-zero temperatures, dangerous wind chills, and record cold that could persist into early February.
The storm also triggered widespread power outages. At its peak, more than 800,000 customers were without electricity nationwide, with Tennessee and Mississippi among the hardest hit. Officials in Mississippi described the damage as “extensive,” citing downed trees, power lines, and hazardous road conditions. The University of Mississippi canceled classes at its Oxford campus until February 1 due to ongoing recovery efforts.
Travel disruptions were severe, with more than 10,500 flights canceled on Sunday and nearly 5,000 more canceled Monday, according to FlightAware. Major institutions in New York City and Washington, D.C., including public schools, museums, and libraries, closed or shifted to remote operations.
Forecasters are also warning that the danger may not be over. The Weather Prediction Center said there is a growing possibility of another significant winter storm next weekend, urging residents to stay alert and follow updated forecasts.
Governors across affected states, including Kentucky’s Andy Beshear, are urging people to stay indoors, check on vulnerable neighbors, and avoid unnecessary travel as the brutal cold tightens its grip.