National Weather Service Warns Bomb Cyclone Will Slam East Coast
NWS says about 240 million people were under winter advisories and up to 12 inches of snow could fall in parts of North Carolina on Jan. 31, 2026.
Overview
On Jan. 31, 2026, the National Weather Service warned a "bomb cyclone" would bring heavy snow and hurricane-force gusts to the Carolinas, with up to 12 inches forecast in parts of North Carolina.
About 240 million people were under cold weather advisories and winter storm warnings across the eastern U.S., and subfreezing air was forecast to reach southern Florida by Sunday morning, the National Weather Service said.
Utility tracker PowerOutage.us showed about 174,000 customers without power, FlightAware recorded more than 2,400 flight cancellations, and National Guard troops were activated in multiple states, officials confirmed.
At least 87 people died from Texas to New Jersey in storm-related incidents, and North Carolina reported more than 200 collisions Saturday, according to state officials and compiled data.
Subfreezing temperatures were expected into February with warnings of hypothermia and frostbite, and governors ordered state of emergency measures while utilities gave no firm timelines for full restoration, officials said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this coverage neutrally, emphasizing factual details and multiple perspectives. The pieces balance official statements (utility defense, governor concerns), on-the-ground voices (residents, Mayor Kruea) and expert warnings about hypothermia, while avoiding evaluative language or editorial conclusions; quoted complaints remain source content rather than framing.
Sources (10)
FAQ
A bomb cyclone is a rapidly intensifying extratropical storm where the central atmospheric pressure drops at least 24 millibars in 24 hours, a process known as bombogenesis, leading to strong winds, heavy snow, and dangerous conditions.
The storm has led to at least 87 deaths from Texas to New Jersey, over 174,000 power outages, more than 2,400 flight cancellations, over 200 collisions in North Carolina, and National Guard activation in multiple states.
About 240 million people across the eastern U.S. are under winter advisories, with heavy snow up to 12 inches in parts of North Carolina, hurricane-force gusts in the Carolinas, and subfreezing air reaching southern Florida.
Risks include hypothermia and frostbite from subfreezing temperatures into February, power outages without firm restoration timelines, downed trees, and dangerous driving conditions from heavy snow and winds.
History
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