A harsh winter storm that swept across large parts of the United States over the weekend has claimed lives, left thousands stranded, and cut power to hundreds of thousands, while authorities warn that more severe weather may be on the way.
From Texas to Maine, snow, icy roads, and strong winds disrupted daily life, forcing closures, flight cancellations, and emergency responses in many regions.
The National Weather Service reported that some northeastern cities recorded more than 20 inches of snow in just a single day. In Canada, southern Ontario faced major disruptions, with schools closed and transport delayed as the storm raged through the region.
Tennessee was among the hardest-hit states in the US, with over 200,000 homes and businesses losing electricity by Monday afternoon. Residents struggled with the freezing conditions, and shelters reported a spike in calls from people seeking help.
"There are many trees down and power lines blocking the roads." Joy Flores, vice president of the Nashville Rescue Mission homeless shelter, told the BBC. Her shelter was receiving calls from people who had lost access to power.
Flores added that roads were treacherous and her home had "no heating, no internet, and no coffee," highlighting the challenges faced by residents.
New York City reported eight deaths from Friday through Monday morning as temperatures plunged into the single digits. Central Park recorded 11.4 inches of snow by Monday, according to the NWS.
In Texas, authorities said a teenage girl died in a sledding accident while another teenager remains in critical condition. North Carolina officials found a man dead along a highway in Buncombe County and are investigating if the weather contributed to his death. Louisiana health officials reported two deaths due to hypothermia.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy cautioned residents that "it's not over yet," with additional snowfall of one to five inches expected in parts of the state.
In Canada, Ottawa and Quebec were hit hardest, forcing widespread travel disruptions and multiple school closures. Toronto Pearson Airport recorded 18.1 inches of snow on Sunday, marking a new site record, the CBC reported.
Air travelers in the US continued to face delays and cancellations on Monday. FlightAware reported more than 19,000 delays and 5,900 cancellations nationwide.
The National Weather Service said that another strong winter storm could impact the eastern United States starting Friday. Officials warned that this system could bring frigid temperatures and heavy snow, although the storm’s path and severity remain uncertain.
