Severe Winter Blast Hits Eastern U.S., Affecting Millions

Mon Feb 02 2026 13:57:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A powerful winter storm has plunged the eastern U.S. into bitter cold temperatures, causing widespread disruptions, including hundreds of canceled flights and power outages for thousands as communities brace for yet more snow.

A powerful bomb cyclone has swept across the eastern United States, bringing frigid temperatures and massive snowfall. The storm resulted in flight cancellations exceeding 4,300 and left many without power in the aftermath of previous winter weather. The extreme conditions extend from the Gulf Coast to New England, with local authorities and residents dealing with the icy aftermath.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A vast region of the eastern United States is experiencing an intense winter blast after a powerful bomb cyclone moved through, leading to significantly lowered temperatures from the Gulf Coast up to New England. Up to 150 million people are under various cold weather advisories and warnings.

The National Weather Service has reported wind chills plunging to near or below zero in some regions, and it has been noted as the coldest air mass recorded in South Florida since December 1989. This unprecedented cold has even brought snow flurries as far south as the Tampa-St. Petersburg area.

While parts of North Carolina experienced nearly a foot of snow, Florida recorded unusual events like iguanas falling from trees due to the cold.

Flight cancellations have skyrocketed, with over 2,800 flights canceled on Saturday and an additional 1,500 on Sunday as travel plans were disrupted significantly. In Charlotte, North Carolina, alone, about 800 flights faced cancellations on Sunday.

Across the impacted states, over 97,000 customers remained without electricity in Tennessee and Mississippi after a previous storm caused damage, with many bracing for tough weather conditions ahead.

North Carolina officials reported that the recent storms were among the worst since 1994, as an extensive cleanup began, and cold weather is expected to linger with potential additional snowfall forecasted for the coming days.

As communities struggle with the snow and frigid temperatures, local officials have set up warming centers and continued to in mobilize resources, emphasizing that recovery may take time given the scale of the storm’s impact.