More than 500,000 customers remain without power across multiple states days after a historic winter storm brought devastating ice accumulation, heavy snow and life-threatening cold to much of the United States.
The storm, which meteorologists described as “potentially historic” in scope, stretched across nearly 2,000 miles from New Mexico to New England at its peak. Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana bore the brunt of prolonged outages as of Thursday, with ice-covered trees and power lines continuing to hamper restoration efforts.
At least 115 people have died in connection with the storm as of Thursday, according to multiple reports tracking fatalities across affected states. Deaths have been attributed to hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning, traffic accidents on ice-covered roads and other weather-related causes.
In Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee communities, more than 110,000 customers remained without electricity Thursday. Nashville Electric Service deployed over 740 workers but warned restoration could take days due to the extent of damage.
The storm developed from an upper-level low on Jan. 22 and moved eastward across the central United States, dropping heavy snowfall before transitioning to devastating freezing rain across the South. By Jan. 25, it had evolved into a nor’easter affecting New England with gusty winds and continued snowfall.
Ice accumulation proved particularly destructive in areas unaccustomed to severe winter weather. Parts of Kentucky, Tennessee and Louisiana saw ice thickness between half an inch and one inch, causing widespread tree damage and power line failures.
In Louisiana, more than 51,000 customers remained without power as of Thursday. Entergy CEO Phillip May told customers that full restoration would not occur until at least Saturday, Jan. 31. The state recorded eight storm-related deaths, including five from hypothermia.
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Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said ice accumulations exceeded expectations in his state. Lexington emergency officials said the storm would “more than likely take its place among the top 10” since records began in 1887.
Power restoration has been hindered by dangerously cold temperatures and impassable roads. The National Weather Service warned that another winter storm could hit parts of the East Coast this weekend, potentially complicating ongoing recovery efforts.
“This could be the coldest temperature seen in several years for some places and the longest duration of cold in several decades,” the Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center warned.
Federal emergency declarations have been approved by President Trump for 12 states, allowing access to federal resources including generators, food, water, medical supplies and blankets. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has deployed specialized “hotshot” teams to help clear roads and restore power.
Beyond the South, the storm dumped heavy snow across a wide area. Massachusetts received more than 20 inches in some locations, ending a 1,400-day stretch without a snowstorm exceeding six inches in Boston. Philadelphia and New York City saw their heaviest snowfall in five years.
The storm caused massive travel disruptions, with more than 10,000 flights canceled on Jan. 25 alone, one of the highest single-day cancellation totals in U.S. history. American Airlines called it “the most disruptive storm in the airline’s 100-year history.”
Officials continue urging residents to stay off roads to allow emergency responders clear access and avoid hazardous conditions. State and local governments have opened warming centers and shelters across affected areas to assist residents without heat.
Utility companies estimate most urban and suburban customers will have power restored by this weekend, but some rural areas may remain without electricity into next week.
