Thousands Still Without Power as Brutal Temperatures Head to the South

Southern states brace for another cold blast while recovery efforts continue from last week's ice storm.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 6:23pm

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The South is bracing for another round of winter weather, less than a week after an ice storm caused widespread power outages and damage across the region. Thousands remain without electricity in states like Tennessee and Mississippi, exacerbating the danger as temperatures plunge again. Heavy snow and blizzard conditions are also possible, while Florida faces the coldest temperatures in over 15 years, threatening crops and wildlife.

Why it matters

The South's infrastructure is often not designed to withstand prolonged ice storms, making power restoration more challenging compared to other weather events like hurricanes. The combination of frigid temperatures, high winds, and ongoing power outages poses serious risks to vulnerable populations and the region's agricultural industry.

The details

Temperatures are expected to fall 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 both states. Heavy snow and blizzard conditions are also possible for the Southeast this weekend. In Florida, actual air temperatures are forecast to dip into the 20s, potentially challenging daily record lows, and threatening crops, vegetation, and plumbing. Reptiles like iguanas and alligators may become 'cold-stunned' as well.

  • On Friday night, temperatures are expected to fall into the teens across much of Tennessee and northern Mississippi.
  • On Saturday afternoon, temperatures will only reach a high of 21 degrees in Nashville and 26 degrees in Oxford, Mississippi.
  • On Sunday morning, actual air 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

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

Shannon Shepp

The executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus.

Matt Joyner

The executive vice president and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual.

Ron Magill

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

The takeaway

This latest winter storm highlights the vulnerabilities of the South's infrastructure and the need for more resilient power grids and agricultural systems to withstand extreme weather events. The region's residents and businesses must remain vigilant and prepared for the ongoing challenges posed by climate change.