Deadly Winter Storm Ravages US, Killing 8 and Cutting Power to Millions

Massive Winter Storm Causes Widespread Devastation Across North America

A historic winter storm stretching over 2,000 miles (3,200 km) has left at least eight people dead and more than one million households without power across the United States. The severe weather system, unofficially named Winter Storm Fern by The Weather Channel, has prompted emergency declarations in 23 states and affected approximately 118 million Americans.

Fatalities and Emergency Response

The storm has claimed lives through hypothermia and exposure in multiple states. In Kansas, a woman was found dead after being missing since Saturday, with local authorities suspecting hypothermia as the cause. Two men died from hypothermia in Louisiana's Caddo Parish near Shreveport. In New York City, at least five people were found dead outdoors, though official causes are still under investigation. 'We want every New Yorker to survive this storm,' urged Mayor Mamdani, advising residents to stay indoors and avoid roads.

Emergency management officials across affected states are working around the clock. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has activated response protocols, with limited federal assistance approved for states including Arkansas, Georgia, West Virginia, and Louisiana. 'This is a unique storm in that it's so widespread,' said meteorologist Allison Santorelli of the National Weather Service in an interview with AP. 'It's hitting areas from New Mexico and Texas all the way to New England.'

Power Outages and Transportation Chaos

More than one million customers have lost power simultaneously, with the majority concentrated in the Deep South region. Utility crews are working in dangerous conditions to restore electricity, but officials warn that frigid temperatures following the precipitation could prolong outages.

The transportation network has been severely disrupted. Over 10,000 flights were canceled on Sunday alone - the highest number since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Major airports from Texas to New England have experienced significant cancellations and delays. Amtrak has canceled dozens of trains, and road conditions remain treacherous across multiple states.

Record Snowfall in Canada

The storm system has also battered Canada, particularly southern Ontario. Toronto-Pearson International Airport set a new single-day snowfall record with 42 cm (16.5 inches), surpassing the previous record of 39.9 cm from 1965. Unofficial reports indicate downtown Toronto received 56 cm (22 inches) of snow, with some areas in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area receiving up to 60 cm (23.6 inches).

According to The Weather Network, this represents the heaviest single-day snowfall Toronto has experienced since 1944, when 48 cm fell in 24 hours. Schools across the region have been closed, and transportation services are struggling to cope with the unprecedented accumulation.

Continuing Threats and Safety Warnings

National Weather Service officials warn that the immediate danger isn't over. 'The ice and snowfall are expected to continue through today, followed by very low temperatures that could have dangerous consequences for traffic and infrastructure for days,' stated a spokesperson from the national weather service.

Emergency officials emphasize that even after precipitation ends, extreme cold moving in behind the storm presents continued dangers. Wind chills are expected to drop to life-threatening levels across much of the affected region. Residents are advised to check on vulnerable neighbors, use safe heating practices to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning, and avoid unnecessary travel.

The storm developed from an upper-level low on January 22 and has been moving steadily eastward across the Central United States. Its immense size - affecting regions from Northern Mexico to Northeastern United States and Canada - makes it one of the most widespread winter weather events in recent memory.