At Least Seven Dead and Hundreds of Thousands Without Power as Major Winter Storm Batters United States

A powerful winter storm sweeping across much of the United States has claimed at least seven lives and left hundreds of thousands of residents without electricity, as the nation grapples with heavy snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures.

The severe weather system affecting wide swaths from the southern states through the Midwest and into the Northeast has caused widespread disruptions to daily life, infrastructure, and travel.

The storm brought heavy snowfall, sleet, and freezing rain to regions that rarely see such conditions, leading to treacherous roads, downed power lines, and prolonged outages.

Authorities have reported power outages affecting more than 800,000 homes and businesses, with estimates at times exceeding 850,000 or more as crews work to restore electricity.

Utility companies and emergency personnel are facing challenges due to icy roads and extreme cold, slowing restoration efforts.

Officials have confirmed multiple fatalities linked to the harsh winter conditions, including deaths from hypothermia and exposure in affected states.

Emergency declarations have been issued across several states as local and federal agencies mobilize resources to respond to the crisis and assist impacted communities.

In addition to the human toll and power disruptions, the storm has severely impacted travel, with thousands of flights cancelled or delayed across major U.S. airports.

School closures, hazardous travel advisories, and emergency response efforts remain in place as the cold wave continues to grip large portions of the country.

Sources: ABC News, Reuters, The Guardian, Telegrafi.com