Deadly Winter Storm and Arctic Cold Leave Over 80 Dead Across Southern U.S.

At least 85 people have died in multiple states in connection with a massive winter storm and ensuing brutal cold affecting parts of the southern United States, according to a confirmed tally. The severe weather has left extensive power outages and dangerous conditions from Texas to Tennessee, as crews continue restoration efforts.

Rising Death Toll Across the Region

Officials have attributed the weather-related fatalities to hypothermia, suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, and accidents involving cars, sleds and snowplows, among other causes. In Mississippi, state authorities reported four additional deaths on Thursday, bringing the total number of severe winter weather fatalities there to 14, according to the governor's office.

Louisiana reported its ninth winter storm-related death on Thursday. The state’s health department said the victim was a 74-year-old man who died from hypothermia at his home following an extended power outage. In Tennessee, the Department of Health confirmed 13 weather-related fatalities as of Wednesday, as the state endures prolonged cold temperatures and widespread power interruptions.

Texas officials have also reported multiple deaths linked to the winter storm. These include three brothers who died after falling through ice into a pond and two teenage girls who died when their sled, which was being pulled by a Jeep Wrangler, struck a curb and then collided with a tree, according to authorities. In New York City, officials said at least 10 people were found dead outdoors during the recent stretch of severe winter weather.

Power Outages and Restoration Efforts

Power outages remain extensive across parts of the South. In Mississippi, more than 95,000 customers are without electricity, with extremely cold temperatures forecast to continue into the weekend. In Tennessee, over 93,000 customers are without power throughout the state. Officials in Nashville have stated that power might not be fully restored through the weekend or potentially longer.

Utility and emergency crews are working to restore service and repair infrastructure. In Nashville, utility workers were photographed restoring power to a neighborhood on Jan. 28, 2026, after the winter storm passed through the area over the weekend. In Oxford, Mississippi, a lineman was seen working to restore power on Jan. 26, 2026, following a weekend ice storm.

Ongoing and Future Weather Threats

The region continues to face hazardous conditions as states work to clear roads of snow and ice amid the deep freeze. From Texas to Tennessee, emergency crews are engaged in efforts to restore power and address the impact of the massive winter storm and the resulting arctic air.

Forecasters have indicated that a potential blizzard is headed to the Southeast this weekend. This system is expected to impact the Carolinas, Georgia, Virginia and Tennessee with another arctic blast and possible blizzard conditions, posing additional challenges for communities already affected by the earlier winter storm.