At least 85 people have died across the southern United States as extreme cold persists in the wake of a massive winter storm, officials and emergency responders say.
The deaths, reported in multiple states from Texas to New Jersey, reflect a combination of hypothermia, suspected carbon monoxide exposure and accidents tied to icy conditions.
Huge swaths of the South remain in a deep freeze days after the storm passed, with power outages and frigid temperatures complicating rescue and recovery efforts.
Emergency crews are still working to restore electricity and clear roads while social service agencies open warming centers for residents without heat.
Officials warn that lingering cold and another potential arctic blast could prolong dangerous conditions through the weekend.
Winter Storm Aftermath: What Happened
A powerful winter storm swept through a large portion of the United States last week, dropping snow and ice and pushing temperatures far below seasonal norms. Power grids in many parts of the South were strained or knocked offline, leaving hundreds of thousands of homes in the dark.
Since then, temperatures have remained extremely low across the region, compounding the storm’s impact. Many communities were unprepared for prolonged subfreezing conditions, especially in areas that rarely see this level of cold.
Officials report that the extreme cold has been deadly in several states, with the largest number of fatalities in Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Confirmed Deaths and Regional Breakdown
According to state and local officials:
-
Tennessee: The Department of Health confirmed 13 weather-related deaths as of Wednesday, with many linked to prolonged outages and exposure.
-
Mississippi: Gov. Tate Reeves’ office said the state recorded at least 14 deaths tied to the storm and bitter cold.
-
Louisiana: The state reported its ninth storm-related death when a 74-year-old man died from hypothermia during an extended power outage.
-
Texas: Multiple fatalities have been reported, including three brothers who fell through ice and two teenage girls killed in a sledding accident.
-
New York City: Officials said at least 10 people were found dead outdoors amid frigid temperatures.
The death toll stands at a minimum of 85, but authorities caution that additional fatalities may be reported as conditions are fully assessed.
Firsthand Accounts: Cold Takes Toll on Residents
In the Mississippi Delta town of Belzoni, residents have struggled without electricity for days.
“Three days in the cold, sleeping in the cold, eating in the cold,” said 73-year-old Glyn Alexander, after moving to a local warming shelter. “I just couldn’t take the cold anymore.”
In northern Mississippi, volunteer CJ Bynum used his Jeep to help stranded motorists along Interstate 55.
“No one really knew that it was going to be like this, or how bad,” he said, describing days-long gridlock on icy highways.
Those accounts reflect wider strains across the region as residents cope with the cold and limited resources.
Power Outages and Ongoing Recovery Challenges
Tens of thousands of homes and businesses remain without power, especially in Mississippi and Tennessee.
In Nashville, officials said full restoration could take several more days, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure damage was severe.
Governors in several states have mobilized National Guard troops and emergency resources to deliver food, blankets and fuel to isolated communities.
Warming centers and shelters have opened in urban and rural locations to help residents who cannot heat their homes safely.
Emergency medicine experts also caution about unsafe use of indoor heating sources, noting a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning when generators or heaters are used improperly.
Official Weather and Forecast Updates
The National Weather Service says another cold system could bring additional arctic air and even blizzard conditions to parts of the Southeast this weekend.
Forecasts call for continued subfreezing temperatures across the region, which could exacerbate existing hazards and delay recovery.
Officials are urging residents to stay informed through official weather channels and to avoid unnecessary travel during the cold snap.
KEY FACTS SUMMARY
| Event | Bitter cold grips South after winter storm |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern and parts of Eastern U.S. |
| Date | Late January 2026 |
| Who is affected | Residents across multiple states from Texas to New Jersey |
| Current status | At least 85 fatalities reported; power outages persist |
| What readers should know | Cold and storm aftermath still causing hazards, risk of additional weather |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many deaths have been reported?
At least 85 people have died in storm-related and cold-related incidents.
What caused the fatalities?
Deaths have been linked to hypothermia, carbon monoxide exposure and weather-related accidents.
Which states have reported the most deaths?
Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana account for roughly half of confirmed fatalities.
Are power outages still ongoing?
Yes. Many areas, especially in Mississippi and Tennessee, remain without electricity.
Are schools or roads still impacted?
Officials report continued hazardous travel conditions and infrastructure challenges in many regions.
Should residents expect more cold weather?
Another cold system could bring additional frigid air and possible blizzard conditions to the Southeast.
CLOSING
The South is still grappling with the aftermath of a massive winter storm and prolonged bitter cold that have claimed at least 85 lives and left widespread power outages.
Emergency crews continue recovery efforts amid continuing extreme temperatures, and residents are urged to follow official guidance as conditions evolve.
Watch for updated forecasts and local emergency information as the cold snap continues and another system approaches.
Leave a Comment