Thousands Remain Without Power as Carolinas and Virginia Brace for Winter Storm

Subfreezing temperatures and potential heavy snowfall threaten communities already struggling with outages.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:07am

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Tens of thousands of people in the Carolinas and Virginia are entering their sixth day without electricity as the region prepares for a significant winter storm that could bring heavy snow and blizzard conditions. The prolonged power outages have raised concerns about the risk of hypothermia, especially for vulnerable populations, as temperatures are expected to plummet into the teens. Officials have opened warming centers and are working to distribute supplies, but the situation remains dire for many.

Why it matters

The extended power outages and impending winter storm highlight the challenges communities face in recovering from extreme weather events, particularly for those with limited resources. The risk of hypothermia and other cold-related health issues underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and coordinated response efforts to support vulnerable populations during prolonged power disruptions.

The details

The National Weather Service has warned that arctic air moving into the Southeast will cause already frigid temperatures to plummet, with cities like Nashville, Tennessee, expected to see temperatures in the teens. Forecasters say there is a high chance of heavy snow, potentially up to a foot, in the Carolinas, Virginia, and northeast Georgia this weekend, which could lead to blizzard conditions. Experts warn that the prolonged exposure to the cold temperatures increases the risk of hypothermia, especially for the elderly, infants, and those with underlying health conditions.

  • The winter storm is expected to hit the region on Saturday night and early Sunday.
  • Tens of thousands of people have been without power for nearly a week since a massive storm dumped snow and ice across the eastern U.S.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing warnings.

Tate Reeves

The governor of Mississippi, where the state is experiencing its worst winter storm since 1994.

Bill Lee

The governor of Tennessee, where crews have distributed warming supplies and fuel to affected communities.

Dr. Hans House

A professor of emergency medicine at the University of Iowa, who warned about the risks of prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.

Dr. Zheng Ben Ma

The medical director of the University of Washington Medical Center's northwest emergency department, who explained the potential health impacts of the prolonged power outages.

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What they’re saying

“The longer you're exposed to the cold, the worse it is. The body can handle cold temperatures briefly very well, but the prolonged exposure is a problem.”

— Dr. Hans House, Professor of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa

“Once you get into days six, seven, upwards of 10, then even a healthy, resilient person will be more predisposed to experiencing some of those deleterious effects of the cold temperature.”

— Dr. Zheng Ben Ma, Medical Director, University of Washington Medical Center's Northwest Emergency Department

What’s next

Officials are working to distribute additional supplies and resources to affected communities as they brace for the impending winter storm.

The takeaway

The prolonged power outages and impending winter storm in the Carolinas and Virginia underscore the need for robust emergency preparedness and coordinated response efforts to support vulnerable populations during extreme weather events, particularly in regions with limited resources.