Severe Cold Snap Affects Eastern U.S. After Bomb Cyclone

Mon Feb 02 2026 16:17:59 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A vast area stretching from the Gulf Coast to New England is experiencing harsh winter conditions, including significant snowfall in North Carolina, extreme cold warnings, and flight disruptions across the country.

A bomb cyclone has plunged much of the eastern United States into frigid temperatures, resulting in heavy snowfall and widespread flight cancellations. Millions are affected by cold weather advisories, with reports of iguanas falling from trees in Florida due to the extreme cold. The storm has also caused significant disruptions in travel and power outages from North Carolina to Mississippi, prompting concerns from state officials.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A significant part of the U.S. from the Gulf Coast to New England is enduring an intense cold wave following a bomb cyclone that has produced heavy snowfall and led to widespread travel interruptions. The cyclone has left North Carolina with nearly a foot of snow while other states like Florida are experiencing unusual weather impacts, including falling iguanas due to extreme cold.

Weather expert Peter Mullinax indicated that approximately 150 million individuals are under cold weather alerts, with the South experiencing record-low temperatures not seen since December 1989. Snowflakes were reported in areas such as the Tampa-St. Petersburg region, where temperatures dropped to the low 20s and 30s.

With disruptions occurring, over 2,800 flights were canceled across the U.S. on Saturday and 1,500 more by Sunday, heavily impacting regions such as Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The winter conditions contributed to dangerous road travel, including major traffic collisions and two fatalities reported in North Carolina.

The cold has left over 97,000 customers without power, primarily in Tennessee and Mississippi. Officials warn that while restoration efforts are underway, many areas may take days to recover from the storm's aftermath. As conditions remain volatile, the forecast suggests that light snow could continue in areas such as the Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic regions.

Authorities continue to address the challenges posed by this exceptional winter storm, providing assistance through warming centers and the deployment of National Guard troops to deliver essential supplies.