Powerful storm threatens East Coast still buried in snow

About 240 million people under cold weather advisories as region braces for heavy snow, flooding, and high winds

Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:47am

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A powerful winter storm system is threatening the East Coast, which is still recovering from last week's frigid weather. The storm is expected to bring howling winds, heavy snow, and flooding to the region, with over 240 million people under cold weather advisories and winter storm warnings. Hundreds of thousands remain without power, and the cold weather has already claimed over 75 lives across multiple states.

Why it matters

The East Coast is still reeling from the impacts of last week's winter weather, with many areas still without power and dealing with the aftermath. This new storm system has the potential to exacerbate the existing issues, causing further damage, disruptions, and potentially more loss of life if people are not prepared.

The details

The storm system is expected to bring 6 to 10 inches of snow to parts of the southern Appalachians, the Carolinas, and Georgia. Blizzard conditions are possible overnight in the Carolinas due to a 'bomb cyclone' - an intense, rapidly strengthening storm system off the Southeast coast. Temperatures are plummeting, with a low of -27°F recorded in West Virginia, and wind chills could reach -20°F in parts of the Ohio Valley. Experts warn of the growing risks of hypothermia and frostbite, especially for those without power or proper winter gear.

  • The storm system is expected to impact the East Coast this weekend.
  • Subfreezing weather is forecast into February, with heavy snow in the Carolinas, Virginia, and northeast Georgia.

The players

Bob Oravec

The lead meteorologist for the National Weather Service in College Park, Maryland.

Terry Miles

A 59-year-old Nashville, Tennessee resident who has been without power since Sunday and is using a fish fryer for heat, worried about the dangers of carbon monoxide.

Bill Lee

The governor of Tennessee, who said he shared "strong concerns" with the leadership of Nashville Electric Service about the power restoration efforts.

Mark Kruea

The mayor of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where 6 inches of snow is expected and the city has no snow removal equipment.

Dr. David Nestler

An emergency medicine specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, who warned of the growing risks of hypothermia and frostbite in the South.

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What they’re saying

“Anytime you have cold weather advisories or extreme cold warnings, it is dangerous to be outside. Frostbite can occur. Especially in areas that have or are experiencing power issues still, prolonged exposure to cold weather is not good for yourself.”

— Bob Oravec, Lead meteorologist, National Weather Service

“I'm taking a chance of killing myself and killing my wife, because — Why?”

— Terry Miles

“Residents "need a clear timeline for power restoration, transparency on the number of linemen deployed, and a better understanding of when work will be completed in their neighborhood.”

— Bill Lee, Governor of Tennessee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This storm system has the potential to further exacerbate the existing issues caused by last week's winter weather, underscoring the need for better preparedness and coordination to protect vulnerable communities from the growing risks of extreme cold and winter storms.