Hundreds of thousands without power in aftermath of massive winter storm

Amna Nawaz:

We begin the day's other headlines with the massive winter storm that blanketed much of the country with snow, sleet and ice. At least 28 deaths were reported, including from hypothermia and sledding accidents. Millions of Americans now face bitter temperatures for days and widespread power outages in some states that may last well into the week.

John Yang has our report.

John Yang:

From Tennessee to Texas to New Jersey, about half the United States population today shoveling, scraping and slogging their way through heavy snow.

David Watters, Montvale, New Jersey, Resident:

It's fun to see this amount of snow. It's almost apocalyptic in a nice way. I was expecting a lot, but I didn't think it was going to live up to it, and it did more than that. It's crazy.

John Yang:

The National Weather Service said at least 19 states got more than a foot of snow.

Man:

It's kind of scary.

John Yang:

The weekend mix of wind, sleet and freezing rain wreaked havoc on the power grid. More than 800,000 customers, mostly in the South, lost electricity, and authorities warned that in some areas restoring it could take days.

Man:

It's really deep.

John Yang:

New York City schools were closed today. Students logged on from home for remote learning, a modern snow day.

Zohran Mamdani (D), Mayor of New York City: Good morning, New York.

John Yang:

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the city is braced for a cold week ahead.

Zohran Mamdani:

While the worst is behind us, there is still more to be done as we clear the snow and restore our city. Our top priority remains in assuring that every New Yorker can remain safe and warm throughout this prolonged cold period.

John Yang:

The mayor confirmed that, in New York, seven people died during the snowstorm.

And a swathe of states reported weather-related deaths. Outside Boston, police say a woman died when a snow storm hit the city. The mayor confirmed that in New York seven people died during the snowstorm and a swathe of states reported weather-related deaths. Outside Boston, police say a woman died when a snowplow backed into her in a parking lot.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey:

Gov. Maura Healey (D-MA):

I have spoken with her husband. It's devastating. It is heartbreaking. I know the matter is under investigation right now, but my heart goes out to the family.

John Yang:

Officials warn that roads are still icy and slick and urge drivers to proceed with caution. For airline travelers, the weekend was brutal. According to the Web site FlightAware, on Sunday, more than 11,000 flights were canceled, the most in a single day since the pandemic.

And, today, thousands more were grounded. Even those who managed to get to their trains couldn't escape the blizzard. This video shows snow whipping inside a Long Island railroad car. But amid all the chaos, there was still time for some good old-fashioned fun.

In Washington, D.C., snowball flights broke out in parks. In Austin, Texas, neighborhood streets turned into slopes. A few daredevils dusted off their skis, from the amateurs to the professionals. Three-time Olympic snowboard gold medalist Shaun White put on a show in New York's Central Park.

For the "PBS News Hour," I'm John Yang.