Severe Winter Weather Causes Havoc Across Eastern U.S.

Wed Feb 04 2026 03:16:39 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As dangerous cold grips the eastern U.S., at least four homes in North Carolina collapse into the ocean, while residents in Tennessee struggle with prolonged power outages amid crippling conditions.

A strong winter storm has wreaked havoc across the eastern United States, leading to the collapse of homes in North Carolina due to severe erosion, while Tennessee faces power outages affecting thousands. The bitter cold and snow have resulted in over 110 fatalities as the nation copes with an extended stretch of sub-freezing weather. Florida farmers remain concerned over crop damage amidst early frost warnings.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Four homes blasted by icy winds on an eroding North Carolina island collapsed into the ocean, and Florida farmers anxiously waited for frozen plants to thaw Monday as people across the eastern half of the United States coped with more than a week of sub-freezing weather.

Temperatures remained below freezing throughout Monday across the northern U.S. from the Dakotas to Maine, while sub-freezing temperatures were once again expected to return to the Southeast overnight, reaching into parts of northern Florida.

In the Carolinas and Virginia, residents were still digging out from heavy snowfall. More than 70,000 homes and businesses in Tennessee and Mississippi began another week without power following damage from a previous snow and ice storm.

Nashville resident Terry Miles mentioned that Monday marked his ninth day without electricity, and he was making do by using a propane grill outdoors for cooking and heating water. A small gas generator provided just enough power to run a couple of space heaters.

“We’re roughing it,” Miles remarked. “I’ve been camping before and had it easier than this. I feel like Grizzly Adams.”

The winter disaster resulted in over 110 confirmed deaths in states impacted by the severe cold since January 24. New York City's preliminary findings revealed that hypothermia was a contributing factor in the death of 13 individuals found outdoors in the extreme cold. Similar suspected hypothermia deaths emerged in Indiana, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Texas.

Winter Winds Collapse Four Island Homes

Over the weekend, a significant winter storm caused four homes along the Outer Banks of North Carolina to collapse into the Atlantic due to fierce winds and erosion. The National Park Service reported that debris was scattered along the coastline, marking a continuing trend of erosion affecting these low-lying barrier islands.

In Florida, farmers were concerned as frost warnings led growers to spray water on their plants in hopes of protecting them from the cold. As icicles formed, fern producers were anxious to gauge any potential damage.

Such timing was particularly distressing for Florida fern growers, who were busy preparing shipments for the upcoming Valentine's Day holiday.

In Nashville, utility frustrations escalated as Nashville Electric Service faced backlash for extended power outages affecting about a quarter-million customers. Mayor Freddie O’Connell pledged to review the utility’s preparations and responses to the storm as many residents remained without power.

The National Weather Service is still issuing several cold weather alerts, continuing the critical freeze warnings in parts of the Southeast, including Florida.

Crews across North Carolina worked to restore safety on interstates and highways, with nearly a foot of snow recorded in Charlotte. Governor Josh Stein communicated ongoing commitments to clear roadways and restore normalcy.