Thousands Still Without Power as Brutal Cold Hits South

Frigid temperatures, snow, and ice storms continue to impact the region

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:15pm

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The South is bracing for another round of extreme winter weather, less than a week after an ice storm caused widespread power outages and damage across multiple states. Thousands remain without electricity, exacerbating the danger from the plunging temperatures. Heavy snow and blizzard conditions are also possible, while Florida faces its coldest weather in over 15 years, potentially threatening crops and vegetation.

Why it matters

The South's infrastructure is often not designed to withstand prolonged ice storms, making power restoration more challenging. The extreme cold also poses serious risks to vulnerable populations and could have significant agricultural impacts, especially in Florida's citrus industry.

The details

Temperatures are expected to plunge into the teens across much of Tennessee and northern Mississippi, with wind chills near or below zero. Thousands have been without power for nearly a week in these states. Heavy snow and blizzard conditions are also possible from eastern Tennessee to North Carolina. In Florida, actual air temperatures are forecast to dip into the 20s, potentially challenging daily record lows, with the threat of freezing conditions that could damage crops and vegetation.

  • On Friday night, temperatures are expected to fall into the teens across much of Tennessee and northern Mississippi.
  • On Saturday afternoon, highs will only reach 21 degrees in Nashville and 26 degrees in Oxford, Mississippi.
  • On Sunday morning, temperatures are forecast to dip into the 20s across much of Florida, including Tallahassee, Jacksonville, and Orlando.

The players

Sara Eftekharnejad

A professor of electrical engineering and computer science in Syracuse University's College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Marshall Shepherd

Director of the Atmospheric Sciences Program at the University of Georgia and former president of the American Meteorological Society.

Shannon Shepp

Executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus.

Matt Joyner

Executive vice president and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual.

Ron Magill

Communications director at ZooMiami.

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What they’re saying

“States like Tennessee and Mississippi don't necessarily design their infrastructure to withstand ice storms — they are instead engineered to handle hurricanes and extreme heat, more common regional threats.”

— Sara Eftekharnejad, Professor of electrical engineering and computer science (ABC News)

“'An equal concern is the frigid Arctic blast and the blustery winds.'”

— Marshall Shepherd, Director of the Atmospheric Sciences Program at the University of Georgia and former president of the American Meteorological Society (ABC News)

“'As is typical in these situations, it remains too early to estimate potential impacts, as effects will vary based on location, duration, and severity of cold temperatures.'”

— Shannon Shepp, Executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus (ABC News)

“'Florida growers are 'experienced' in managing weather-related challenges and have navigated freeze events 'many times before.'”

— Shannon Shepp, Executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus (ABC News)

“'It's something that invigorates them.'”

— Ron Magill, Communications director at ZooMiami (ABC News)

What’s next

The National Weather Service warned that strong, gusty winds accompanying the cold front on Saturday could create additional hazards and potentially disrupt final preparations to protect sensitive vegetation and pipes. The NWS advised people to ensure that any tarps, blankets or coverings around sensitive plants or pipes are properly secured by Saturday morning at the latest.

The takeaway

This extreme winter weather event highlights the challenges the South faces in adapting its infrastructure and preparedness to handle increasingly frequent and severe cold snaps, as well as the potential for significant agricultural and economic impacts if the region is not able to adequately protect its crops and vulnerable populations.