Rare Snow, Blizzards Threaten U.S. East Coast States

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Rare Snow, Blizzards Threaten U.S. East Coast States/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A powerful winter storm is hammering the U.S. East Coast, bringing blizzard conditions, heavy snow, and bitter cold to areas unaccustomed to such weather. Power outages affected over 170,000 homes, mainly in Mississippi and Tennessee. Forecasters expect subfreezing temperatures and dangerous conditions through the weekend.

Austin Bradbury uses a chainsaw to remove a tree above a road Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Ethan Green, 21, left, an apprentice one lineman at the Yazoo Valley Power Association, looks up at a crew member Taylor Arinder on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 in Bentonia, Miss. (AP Photo/Sophie Bates)

East Coast Storm Threatens Unprepared Regions: Quick Looks

Up to 12 inches of snow expected in the Carolinas and Virginia
Myrtle Beach braces for 6 inches with no snow removal equipment
Blizzard conditions possible from Maryland to Maine
Over 170,000 power outages, mostly in Tennessee and Mississippi
Gov. Bill Lee demands accountability from Nashville Electric Service
Southern cold reaches as far as Florida, with hypothermia risks
At least 100 storm-related deaths reported across the region
National Guard deployed in Mississippi and North Carolina

Tennessee National Guard Specialist Taylor Osteen, left, holds a chainsaw as he takes a break from cutting trees from a road Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

This photo provided by Crystal Walk shows Jeeps helping stranded drivers navigate the ice on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, on Interstate 55 in northern Mississippi. (Crystal Walk via AP)

Deep Look: Winter Storm Slams East Coast With Rare Snow, Widespread Outages

A powerful winter storm barreled into the U.S. East Coast on Saturday, delivering a rare and dangerous mix of snow, wind, and subfreezing temperatures to a region that includes communities more familiar with hurricanes than blizzards.

Snow in the South: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Hit Hard

In Myrtle Beach, a seaside town known for palm trees and sunny skies, officials braced for 6 inches (15 cm) of snow. With no snowplows in the city’s fleet, Mayor Mark Kruea admitted, “We’ll use what we can find.” The unusual conditions illustrate how ill-prepared many southern cities are for winter storms.

Further inland, snow totals were expected to reach up to a foot in parts of North Carolina, with heavy accumulation forecast for Virginia, northeast Georgia, and into Maryland and Maine. By Saturday night and early Sunday, the storm was expected to produce blizzard-like conditions before shifting offshore.

Cold Spreads Deep Into the South

The storm’s reach is exceptional, with cold air plunging as far south as Florida. In Nashville, temperatures neared the low teens Fahrenheit (around -10°C). Many residents were still without electricity from a storm earlier in the week, adding urgency and frustration to the worsening situation.

One Nashville resident, Terry Miles, described using a fish fryer for heat, risking carbon monoxide poisoning to stay warm. “I’m taking a chance of killing myself and killing my wife,” he said during a utility press event. His anger reflects a widespread demand for accountability amid power restoration delays.

170,000+ Without Power, Nashville Hit Especially Hard

As of Friday night, poweroutage.us reported over 170,000 outages, with Mississippi and Tennessee bearing the brunt. In Nashville alone, more than 57,000 homes and businesses remained without electricity.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee publicly criticized Nashville Electric Service, demanding transparent restoration timelines, a clear number of linemen deployed, and updates on neighborhood repair progress.

The utility responded by calling last weekend’s storm “unprecedented.”

Mississippi and Tennessee Struggle to Cope

Mississippi officials called it the state’s worst winter storm since 1994. More than 80 warming centers were activated statewide, while National Guard troops delivered food, water, and fuel by truck and helicopter.

Health experts warned of hypothermia and frostbite risks, particularly in regions where residents lack appropriate cold-weather clothing. Dr. David Nestler from the Mayo Clinic stressed that residents unaccustomed to these temperatures are especially vulnerable.

Storm-related deaths have surpassed 100 nationwide, with many occurring in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. While some fatalities have been attributed to hypothermia, others are suspected to be linked to carbon monoxide exposure. Officials have withheld full details in many cases.

In North Carolina, Residents Stock Up and Worry About Coastal Damage

In Wake Forest, NC, locals filled propane tanks ahead of the storm. José Rosa waited in line at Holding Oil and Gas, saying, “I’m here in this cold weather, and I don’t like it,” after failing to find fuel at three other locations.

Along the Outer Banks, concerns grew about empty homes collapsing into the Atlantic Ocean, especially in fragile areas like Rodanthe and Buxton. With flooding and wind damage possible, emergency services warned residents to prepare for coastal erosion and infrastructure risks.

Preparedness Remains Key as Storm Continues

With wind chills plunging and snowfall accumulating, officials urge residents to:

Avoid non-essential travel
Check carbon monoxide detectors
Use safe heating methods
Stay updated on emergency alerts

While parts of the Northeast are better equipped for snow, the storm’s widespread impact highlights the growing vulnerability of southern and coastal regions to severe winter weather as climate patterns shift.