Cold Snap Claims Lives: Millions Without Power

A devastating winter storm has unleashed extreme cold across the eastern United States, leaving over 230,000 homes and businesses without power as of Thursday night, January 30, 2026. Mississippi and Tennessee are the hardest hit, each reporting approximately 87,000 outages. This severe weather event, described as Mississippi's worst winter storm since 1994, has tragically resulted in at least 85 deaths across states from Texas to New Jersey.

The frigid temperatures and subzero wind chills pose the greatest danger, with vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with underlying health conditions experiencing hypothermia symptoms rapidly. Even healthy individuals are increasingly at risk after days of exposure. Concerns are also high for carbon monoxide poisoning from improper use of indoor heat sources and generators.

National Guard troops have been mobilized in Mississippi and Tennessee to distribute essential supplies like meals and blankets, and to clear debris. However, a clear timeline for restoring electricity, particularly in rural areas, remains uncertain. Forecasters predict the subfreezing weather will continue into February, with heavy snow potentially up to a foot expected in the Carolinas and surrounding regions this weekend.