Deadly Winter Storm Grips Eastern U.S.

At least 42 deaths reported as extreme cold, snow and power outages persist across multiple states.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 11:31am

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A massive winter storm has left at least 42 people dead across the eastern United States, with three young brothers in Texas among the victims after falling through an icy pond. Brutal cold, heavy snow, and widespread power outages continue to impact millions, with some areas not expected to restore electricity for days. Officials warn the dangerous conditions could worsen in the coming days as another winter storm approaches.

Why it matters

The extreme winter weather has had devastating consequences, leading to dozens of fatalities and leaving hundreds of thousands without power in the midst of dangerously low temperatures. The storm has disrupted daily life across a wide swath of the country, raising concerns about public safety and the ability of communities to respond effectively to such severe conditions.

The details

The winter storm has dumped heavy snow from Arkansas to New England, leaving parts of the South coated in treacherous ice. Freezing temperatures have lingered as far south as Tennessee, Arkansas and North Carolina, with forecasts calling for the brutal cold to worsen later this week. Officials have reported at least 42 weather-related deaths, including three young brothers in Texas who died after falling through an icy pond. More than 500,000 homes and businesses remain without power, with some areas not expected to have electricity restored for days.

  • The winter storm hit the eastern U.S. over the past several days.
  • Freezing temperatures are expected to continue through at least early Wednesday morning.
  • Another winter storm could hit parts of the East Coast this weekend, bringing more extreme cold.

The players

Fannin County Sheriff Cody Shook

The sheriff who reported the deaths of three young brothers in Texas after they fell through an icy pond.

Bonham Independent School District

The school district that said it was devastated by the loss of the three Texas brothers.

Entergy

The electric utility company that said some of its 6,000 customers in Grenada, Mississippi, might not have power restored until Sunday.

Jean Kirkland

A resident of Lexington, Mississippi, who has been relying on her gas stove and heaters to stay warm after losing power.

Lisa Patterson

A Nashville, Tennessee resident who had to be rescued from her home and taken to a warming shelter after losing power and having trees fall on her driveway.

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What they’re saying

“When you're used to certain things, you miss them when they're gone.”

— Jean Kirkland

“I've been snowed in up there for almost three weeks without being able to get up and down my driveway because of the snow. I'm prepared for that. But this was unprecedented.”

— Lisa Patterson

What’s next

The National Weather Service has warned that another winter storm could hit parts of the East Coast this weekend, bringing the potential for more record low temperatures as far south as Florida.

The takeaway

The deadly winter storm has highlighted the severe impact extreme weather can have on communities, leading to tragic loss of life, widespread power outages, and disruptions to daily life. As climate change continues to intensify weather patterns, preparing for and responding to such events will be an ongoing challenge for states and municipalities across the country.