Dangerous cold lingers from the Gulf Coast to New England as millions brace for icy conditions
Memphis, Tennessee, 2 February 2026 – A powerful winter storm has left a large part of the United States dealing with bitter cold, snow, and ongoing disruptions, even as cleanup efforts continue. After a weekend bomb cyclone swept across the country, forecasters say dangerously cold conditions will last into Monday morning across a wide stretch of the nation, from the Gulf Coast to New England.
Temperatures are expected to slowly rise during the day, but the relief will be limited. Many communities, especially in the South, are still struggling with the aftermath of last month’s ice storm. Thousands of households remain without power, making the freezing temperatures even more difficult to endure.
According to the National Weather Service, nearly 150 million people were under cold weather advisories or extreme cold warnings on Sunday across the eastern United States. Single-digit temperatures reached parts of the South, while South Florida experienced its coldest air mass since December 1989. Meteorologists described the conditions as unusually severe for regions that rarely see such cold.
Snow and ice have caused major travel problems in several states. In North Carolina, heavy snowfall led to flight cancellations and dangerous road conditions. The National Weather Service office in Raleigh warned that wind chills could drop close to zero degrees Fahrenheit early Monday. Officials cautioned that lingering snow and ice could refreeze overnight, making travel hazardous.
Farther south, the cold reached unexpected places. In Florida, freezing temperatures brought light flurries to some areas and even caused iguanas to fall from trees, a well-known effect when cold weather slows the reptiles’ movements.
The cold wave also stretched into New England, where winter conditions are more familiar but still dangerous when combined with strong winds and icy surfaces. Officials across the region urged residents to limit time outdoors, dress in warm layers, and use caution on roads.
As the storm system moves away, authorities continue to stress safety. While temperatures may slowly improve, the lingering effects of snow, ice, and power outages mean that winter’s grip is far from over for millions.
