At least 11 dead, 19,000+ flights cancelled as brutal winter storm hits US

Washington (Web Desk): A severe winter storm sweeping across the United States since Saturday has claimed at least 11 lives and caused the cancellation of nearly 19,000 flights.

The storm has unleashed snow, sleet, and rain across a vast swath of the country, from Texas to New England, prompting authorities to warn residents to avoid travel. Temperatures are expected to plunge even further over the coming days, posing additional risks to vulnerable populations.

In New York, Mayor Zehran Mamdani reported five people were found dead outdoors on Sunday. Texas authorities confirmed three fatalities, while Louisiana reported two deaths due to hypothermia. Southeastern Iowa also suffered a fatal traffic accident caused by icy roads, leaving one person dead and two others injured.

Power outages have affected more than 820,000 people, primarily in southern states, complicating relief and recovery efforts. Emergency declarations have been issued in at least 20 states, including Washington, DC, as officials urge residents to remain indoors.

The storm has also severely disrupted air travel. Major airports in Washington, Philadelphia, and New York have canceled nearly all flights, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. According to flight-tracking data, over 19,000 domestic and international flights have been canceled since the onset of the storm.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging people to exercise caution as the extreme weather moves across the nation.