Winter Storm Devastates Indigenous Communities Across the US

Mon Feb 02 2026 18:52:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A severe winter storm has wreaked havoc across the United States, causing significant disruption and loss to many, including indigenous populations. Power outages affect thousands while travel chaos ensues.

A deadly winter storm sweeping across the US has led to at least a dozen fatalities and left over 200,000 people without power. The storm has affected states from Texas to Maine, impacting transportation and communication. Indigenous communities face heightened challenges amid these harsh conditions, as authorities warn of an approaching new storm.

A powerful winter storm has struck wide areas of the United States, resulting in numerous fatalities and triggering extensive flight cancellations and delays.

Over the weekend, severe weather conditions disrupted life from Texas to Maine, with many cities covered under a thick layer of snow and roadways becoming impassable. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that some areas in the northeast received over 20 inches (50.8 cm) of snow within 24 hours.

As of now, at least a dozen individuals have died across various states due to the storm, with significant impacts reported in indigenous communities that often face the brunt of natural disasters.

In Tennessee, more than 200,000 residents lost power due to the storm, forcing many into cold, dark homes. Joy Flores, vice president of a Nashville homeless shelter, reported an increase in calls from people suffering in the frigid temperatures.

In New York City, officials confirmed eight deaths connected to the extreme cold and snow, while Central Park recorded 11.4 inches of snow. Tragedy struck in Texas when a teenage girl died in an accident while sledding, while in North Carolina, a man was discovered dead on a highway under weather-related circumstances.

Officials in Massachusetts warned residents that more snow was on the way, predicting an additional 1 to 5 inches. Furthermore, as Canadians deal with the aftermath of the storm, Ontario reported significant disruption, particularly in transportation and education logistics.

US airlines faced severe flight issues on Monday, with over 19,000 delays and nearly 6,000 cancellations, as many travelers struggled to return home amid the chaos. The NWS has also indicated the potential for a new winter storm later in the week, which could exacerbate the precarious situation for many, including vulnerable indigenous populations.