Deadly winter storm leaves 11 dead, nearly one million without power

This story has been updated to reflect the number of people dead in the Winter Storm

Update: The severe winter storm has already caused at least 15 deaths. The National Weather Service’s Prediction Center has warned that a “catastrophic" event is still approaching, and more power outages may happen.

In Tennessee, the Department of Health reports at least three weather-related deaths since the winter storm hit the state over the weekend. One death was reported in each of these counties: Crockett, Haywood, and Obion.

Tennessee is now under a Level 3 State of Emergency. This level means either a major emergency or a small-scale disaster is happening, or conditions are rapidly worsening. Authorities issue public alerts in such situations. It also triggers the automatic activation of the Tennessee Emergency Management Plan and the declaration of a state of emergency.

Meanwhile, in Kansas, 28-year-old elementary school teacher Rebecca Rauber was also found dead. She is believed to have died from hyperthermia.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: The severe winter storm has already caused at least 11 deaths. The National Weather Service’s Prediction Center has warned that a “catastrophic" event is still approaching, and more power outages may happen.

In Tennessee, the Department of Health reports at least three weather-related deaths since the winter storm hit the state over the weekend. One death was reported in each of these counties: Crockett, Haywood, and Obion.

Tennessee is now under a Level 3 State of Emergency. This level means either a major emergency or a small-scale disaster is happening, or conditions are rapidly worsening. Authorities issue public alerts in such situations. It also triggers the automatic activation of the Tennessee Emergency Management Plan and the declaration of a state of emergency.

Meanwhile, in Kansas, 28-year-old elementary school teacher Rebecca Rauber was also found dead. She is believed to have died from hyperthermia.

Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have declared weather emergencies, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Winter storm leaves 11 people dead

Forecasters warned that the extreme cold could persist for several days, with some areas in the Midwest expected to see temperatures drop well below zero. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors, check on neighbors, and take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia.

Travel has become dangerous across much of the East due to icy and snow-covered roads, and many flights have been canceled. Emergency shelters have opened in major cities to help homeless individuals and people without power stay safe and warm.

The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed two deaths in Caddo Parish linked to the winter storm, saying two men of unknown ages died of hypothermia, according to The Guardian. 

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said “at least five New Yorkers passed away and were found outside” on Saturday, January 24, before the snow began. “While we do not yet know their causes of death, there is no more powerful reminder of the dangers of the extreme cold, and how vulnerable how many of our neighbors are, especially homeless New Yorkers,” Mamdani added.

Additional deaths in Austin and Michigan brought the total toll to 11. “The dangers aren't over even with the precipitation ending,” Brian Hurley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, told USA TODAY. “A lot of the areas that are still getting the heavy ice, freezing rain, sleet and snow will stay below freezing through the work week.”

Power outages near one million as winter storm batters US

The winter storm left nearly one million people across the United States without electricity, according to The Guardian. As of 6:30 am on Sunday, January 25, more than 900,000 customers were affected, with Tennessee reporting nearly 335,000 outages. Mississippi had more than 178,000 outages, Louisiana over 145,000, and Texas around 93,000. 

The Department of Energy allowed the use of backup generators in Texas and granted PJM Interconnection in the Mid-Atlantic special permission to operate power systems beyond usual limits. Outages peaked early Sunday afternoon, with 9.2 percent of Tennessee customers and 8 percent of Mississippi customers without power, according to the publication. By Sunday evening, crews had reduced the total to under 850,000.

In Greenberg, Kentucky, a hospital generator failed, prompting state officials to prepare for patient transfers, Governor Andy Beshear said. Power was later restored, and no evacuations were required.

As of 8:30 pm, Tennessee had the highest number of outages at 266,000, followed by Mississippi with 140,000, Louisiana with 119,000, Texas with 67,000, and Kentucky with 52,000.

Nearly 65,000 utility workers across 11 states are working around the clock to restore power. Residents with damaged wiring may require inspections before service is restored. Authorities advised people to stay indoors, keep warm, and remain with family.