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By Marni Rose McFall
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More than 800,000 people are without power across seven states as a massive ice storm, stretching for some 1,800 miles, threatens to cut power for millions.
Why It Matters
Ice storms are a particularly hazardous weather event, as small amounts of ice can snap tree limbs, down power lines and create impassable conditions on the roads. Half an inch to an inch can cripple infrastructure and delay power restoration for days.
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The storm is causing a strain on energy systems. Plunging temperatures have boosted demand for heating, and potential freeze-offs curb natural gas production.
Travel warnings have been issued to millions of Americans over the ice storm. Two advisories issued have warned people against traveling as winter weather continues to impact the area, with the National Weather Service (NWS) saying that the storms pose a "threat to life and property" and could also lead to "widespread and long-lasting power outages."
Locations Affected by Power Outage
The website Power Outages is reporting on the outages impacting customers across the country.
As of reporting on Monday morning, Tennessee is the hardest-hit state, with 250,000 customers without power.
There are over 150,000 customers without power in Mississippi and more than 120,000 customers without power in Louisiana.
Texas has over 50,000 customers without power, while Kentucky has more than 49,000 without. In Georgia, over 30,000 customers are experiencing outages.
In South Carolina, more than 40,000 customers are without power, and more than 20,000 customers are without power in North Carolina.
Meanwhile, both Virginia and West Virginia have been hit by outages, with over 20,000 customers without power in the former and more than 19,000 customers without power in the latter.
Those 10 states are the most severely affected, but Power Outage is reporting that there are customers in other states experiencing outages. In the other 40 states though, the number is less than 10,000.
The severity of the power outages in different states is continually fluctuating.
The NWS is sharing regular updates for the affected states.
On Sunday morning, NWS Memphis wrote on X: "The Extreme Cold Warning is in effect until noon Tuesday. Be sure to remember the 4Ps, know the signs of hypothermia, and some tips for how to keep warm without power."
Meanwhile, NWS Austin wrote on X on Monday morning: "Hazardous travel conditions continue at least into Monday morning for roads that have ice on them from packed down sleet and freezing rain accumulation. Several emergency management agencies are reporting dangerous travel conditions tonight. Stay off roads unless necessary."
NWS Atlanta wrote on X: "Black ice will be likely overnight and Monday morning as temperatures drop into the 20s across much of north and central GA and lingering ice and water refreeze on roadways. Furthermore, wind chills are expected to be in the teens and single digits early Monday morning."
Does Insurance Cover a Power Outage?
Insurance policies may cover power outage losses. However, this is only in specific situations, such as when the outage is covered by something considered a "covered peril."
The types of events that fall into that bracket include lightning, wind or a fallen tree.
Most policies do not cover losses when the outage involves events such as a utility company's equipment failure, and exact coverage may differ depending on the policy or provider.
What People Are Saying
AccuWeather Senior Vice President Evan Myer said in a news release: "It is rare for a storm to combine this much snow, ice and bitter cold over such a large area—a widespread travel-halting, winter storm will stall daily life for days."
What Happens Next
The NWS is constantly issuing updates on the situation in different states. Forecasters have warned that the storm’s impacts could linger for days.
Update 1/25/26, 12:23 p.m. ET: This article has been updated to reflect that more states now have customers without power. The headline has also been updated.
Update 1/26/26, 5:17 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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