At Least Nine Dead, More Than a Million Without Power as Massive Winter Storm Pummels U.S.

A powerful winter storm sweeping across the United States has left at least nine people dead and more than a million customers without power, officials confirmed Monday, as heavy snow, ice and frigid temperatures continue to disrupt travel, infrastructure and daily life.

The storm — one of the most expansive in recent years — has affected large swaths of the country from the Southern Plains through the Midwest and into the Northeast. Ice-coated roads, downed power lines and dangerous wind chills have posed serious hazards for residents and emergency crews alike.

Authorities reported multiple weather-related fatalities, including traffic accidents on slick highways, cardiac events from exertion while shoveling snow, and at least one incident involving exposure to extreme cold. State and local officials cautioned that these figures could rise as communities continue to assess conditions in hard-hit areas.

Utility companies across several states said they were grappling with unprecedented demand and storm damage. As of Monday, more than 1 million customers remained without electricity, with outages spanning at least a dozen states. Crews from neighboring regions have been mobilized to assist in repairs, but officials warned that restoration efforts could take days in some rural or severely impacted areas.

The harsh weather has also battered transportation networks. Interstate highways were closed in parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri after heavy snow and ice made travel treacherous, and airlines reported thousands of flight cancellations and delays from major hubs in Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta and New York. Amtrak and regional rail services also faced disruptions due to frozen tracks and signal issues.

Meteorologists said the storm’s broad reach is rare, with weather systems this size typically impacting only limited regions. In addition to snow and sleet, forecasters warned of “catastrophic ice” accumulations in portions of the South and Mid-Atlantic, which can snap tree branches and utility poles, further complicating power restoration and road clearing.

Emergency declarations have been issued in multiple states, unlocking additional resources for first responders and utility crews. Governors urged residents to stay off the roads if possible, stock up on essential supplies, and check on vulnerable neighbors, especially elderly or medically fragile individuals.

Hospitals and emergency shelters have also been bracing for increased demand. In colder regions, warming centers were opened to assist residents without heat due to outages, and Red Cross volunteers were deployed to support affected families.

Officials continue to monitor the storm as it shifts eastward, warning that conditions could worsen in some areas before improving. With temperatures expected to remain dangerously low overnight, authorities stressed the importance of preparedness and urged those in affected regions to heed safety warnings.

More updates are expected as emergency teams complete assessments and conditions evolve across the storm’s broad footprint.