Deep freeze follows a sprawling U.S. winter storm as deaths, outages and travel chaos mount

A massive winter storm that stretched roughly 1,300 miles from Arkansas to New England began to loosen its grip Monday, but millions of Americans were still dealing with dangerous cold, icy roads and widespread disruptions. The storm dumped heavy snow in parts of the Northeast and loaded the South with ice that brought down trees and power lines, leaving large areas without electricity.

Authorities across multiple states reported at least 25 deaths tied to the storm, including traffic crashes, exposure-related incidents and weather-linked accidents. In the Northeast, fresh snowfall lingered at the storm’s tail end, while in the South, the most persistent problems came from ice damage and utility restoration efforts.

The system produced unusually broad impacts, with more than a foot of snow reported in several locations and major cities seeing significant accumulation. New York City recorded one of its snowiest days in years, and officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel as plows, salt crews and emergency responders tried to keep up.

Power outages remained a central concern. At one point, hundreds of thousands of customers across several states were without electricity, with Mississippi and Tennessee among the hardest hit. In some communities, ice-laden branches and downed lines slowed repairs, while shelters opened to help residents who lost heat.

Travel and commerce were also disrupted. Airlines reported thousands of delayed or canceled flights, and schools and universities in affected areas altered schedules or canceled classes. Officials emphasized that even where roads appeared passable, black ice and rapidly dropping temperatures could create sudden hazards.

Forecasts warned that the storm’s exit would be followed by a surge of bitter air, raising the risk of frostbite and hypothermia and increasing the likelihood of burst pipes. Emergency managers urged people to limit time outdoors, check on neighbors, keep phones charged, and use generators safely to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Even as conditions gradually improved in some regions, authorities said the cleanup would take days. Crews continued clearing secondary roads, restoring power, and assessing damage from the combination of snow load and ice. Officials stressed that the recovery phase can be as deadly as the storm itself if residents underestimate lingering cold and slippery surfaces.