A powerful winter storm has swept across North America, bringing heavy snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures to large parts of the United States and Canada. Authorities report that at least 14 people have died as the slow-moving storm continues to cause widespread disruption.
Around 40 percent of the U.S. population is currently under weather warnings, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters say the storm has delivered near-record snowfall in some areas, with accumulations approaching half a meter, alongside freezing winds and icy conditions.
The northeastern United States was hit overnight, with the storm now pushing north into Canada. Travel has been severely affected, as thousands of flights were canceled across the country. Nearly one million households have lost electricity, leaving many without heat in freezing conditions.
States including Tennessee, Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana were among the hardest hit, with downed power lines and icy roads creating dangerous situations. Officials say restoring electricity is urgent, as many residents rely on power for heating during extreme cold.
More than 140 million people across the U.S. and Canada remain in the storm’s path. In Toronto, residents were urged to stay indoors after the city recorded a historic 46 centimeters of snowfall at Pearson International Airport on Sunday — the highest on record.
At least 23 U.S. states have declared states of emergency, including New York. The state’s governor warned residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, citing hazardous driving conditions and ongoing cleanup efforts.
Speaking from New York City, CBS News correspondent Bradley Blackburn described the scene as both picturesque and dangerous. While Central Park was filled with people enjoying the snow, officials stressed that the storm has already claimed more than a dozen lives and affected over 180 million people over several days.
Forecasters warn that even after the storm passes, below-average temperatures could linger for days, slowing snow removal and worsening power outages. Major cities such as New York, Philadelphia, and others are expected to face ongoing challenges as the snow is not expected to melt quickly.
Authorities across affected regions continue to urge people to stay home if possible, especially in areas not well equipped for severe winter weather. Emergency crews remain on high alert as cleanup and power restoration efforts continue.