Millions Across US Face Freezing Temperatures as South Experiences Rare Snowfall
A person walks through a snow-covered parking lot in Brentwood, Tennessee, on 24 January 2026, illustrating the widespread impact of a severe winter event. The United States remains gripped by freezing temperatures, stretching from the north-east deep into the southern states, placing approximately 150 million people under cold weather advisories and extreme cold warnings.
Unusual Cold Snap in Florida Leads to Falling Iguanas
Florida's uncharacteristic cold snap has resulted in some rare phenomena: sightings of snowflakes and, more strikingly, falling iguanas. In Miami and Orlando, temperatures plummeted to 35°F (1.7°C) and 24°F (-4.4°C) respectively, disappointing vacationers who sought refuge from the east coast's chill. The cold-blooded reptiles become paralysed in such low temperatures, causing them to drop from trees. Wildlife officials note that while distressing to witness, the iguanas are not dead and regain mobility once temperatures rise.
Due to these unusually cold conditions, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) permitted residents to capture and transport the non-native reptiles to five designated FWC offices over the weekend. One office in Sunrise, Florida, received over 1,000 iguanas on Sunday alone.
Bomb Cyclone Brings Heavy Snow and Hazardous Conditions
A bomb cyclone, classified by meteorologists as an intense, rapidly strengthening weather system, contributed to heavy snowfall across the South. This included nearly one foot (30cm) of snow in and around Charlotte, North Carolina's largest city. The National Weather Service office for Raleigh warned that wind chills would drop early Monday to near 0°F (-17°C). "Snow and ice will linger, with refreezing tonight making travel hazardous," the office stated on social media. "Use caution on roads and dress in warm layers."
Widespread Impacts: Power Outages and Fatalities
More than 110 deaths connected to the wintry weather and storms have been reported across the US since late January. In Tennessee and Mississippi, two states previously struck by snow and ice storms, almost 80,000 customers were still without electricity on Monday morning, according to the outage tracking website PowerOutage.us.
In New York, 14 people are confirmed to have died outside during the winter storm and subsequent days of frigid temperatures. New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani said on Saturday that hypothermia "played a role" in eight of the deaths, based on preliminary findings. Speaking over the weekend, Mamdani added: "We have expanded shelter capacity, relaxed intake rules and worked with faith-based and community-based organizations to scale up outreach. As we have made clear, we are not going to slow down in this work."
Groundhog Predictions: More Winter or Spring Ahead?
Amid weeks of freezing temperatures, the weather-predicting groundhog Punxsutawney Phil forecast what many across the country feared most: six more weeks of winter. The Pennsylvania critter's annual prediction, made famous by the film starring Bill Murray, was met with a mix of cheers and boos from thousands braving single-digit temperatures.
However, another groundhog, Woodstock Willie, offered a glimmer of hope. The midwestern alternative to Punxsutawney Phil predicted that warmer days are ahead. Stephen Tobolowsky, who portrayed insurance salesman Ned Ryerson in the movie, read from a proclamation: "Willie looks skyward to the east and behind to the ground and stated clearly in groundhog-ese: 'I definitely do not see a shadow!' Spring is coming!"
