Millions Under Cold Advisories as Bomb Cyclone Hits East Coast

Frigid temperatures, snow, and power outages impact large swath of the US

Feb. 1, 2026 at 10:55pm

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A massive winter storm system known as a bomb cyclone brought heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and power outages to a wide area from the Gulf Coast to New England over the weekend. Around 150 million people were under cold weather advisories, with wind chills near zero in the South and Florida seeing its coldest air mass since 1989. The storm caused hundreds of flight cancellations, thousands of power outages, and at least 110 weather-related deaths across the country.

Why it matters

The extreme cold and winter weather conditions have had widespread impacts, disrupting travel, damaging crops, and leaving many without power for days. The storm highlights the growing threat of intense weather events driven by climate change and the need for communities to be prepared to respond to such emergencies.

The details

The bomb cyclone, an intense, rapidly strengthening weather system, dumped nearly a foot of snow around Charlotte, North Carolina, representing a top-five snow event for the city. In eastern North Carolina, some areas saw over 18 inches of snow. The cold temperatures also led to iguanas going dormant and falling from trees in South Florida, while farmers worked to protect citrus crops. Over 2,800 flights were canceled on Saturday, with another 1,500 on Sunday, heavily impacting Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

  • The storm system moved through the region over the weekend of February 1-2, 2026.
  • Temperatures in South Florida reached their coldest levels since December 1989.

The players

Peter Mullinax

A meteorologist with the weather prediction center in College Park, Maryland.

Josh Stein

The governor of North Carolina.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

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 case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.