Climate

Here’s what to do if you lose power during a winter storm in the United States

Nearly one million people are without electricity due to heavy snowfall, strong winds, and freezing rain. Here are some tips to help you get through it.

BRENDAN MCDERMID

Corina González Andy Hall

Update: Jan 25th, 2026 15:03 EST

More than 100 million people across the United States are under alerts for heavy snow, strong winds, and freezing rain—conditions that have also left nearly a million customers without electricity.

According to PowerOutage.us, which tracks power outages nationwide, as of 12:50 p.m., more than 329,000 customers in Tennessee were without power, along with over 150,000 in Mississippi. Louisiana and Texas each reported more than 100,000 outages as the storm continued sweeping across the region.

Other states have also been hit hard:

Kentucky: about 75,500 customers without power
Georgia: more than 34,000 affected
Alabama: roughly 27,800 without electricity
West Virginia: close to 24,000 outages

WPC is issuing Storm Summaries for the ongoing Major Winter Storm. Find a list of the top snow, sleet, and freezing rain reports by state, updated every 6 hours. Keep sending reports to your local forecast office and most importantly, stay safe!! ❄️🧊

🔗 https://t.co/MmTI1ttADZ pic.twitter.com/79Boatr1XD
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) January 25, 2026

What to do if you lose power during a winter storm

Staying informed is essential. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and emergency alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS) or trusted mobile apps. Early warnings can give you valuable time to prepare.

A well‑stocked emergency kit is also crucial. Winter storms often lead to loss of heat, electricity, phone service, and access to supplies. The NWS recommends having the following items on hand:

Flashlight and extra batteries
Battery‑powered portable radio for emergency updates
Extra food and water, such as nuts, dried fruit, granola bars, and other no‑cook, non‑perishable items
Medications
Baby supplies like diapers and formula
First‑aid kit
Heating fuel
Backup heat source: fireplace, wood stove, or properly ventilated space heater
Fire extinguisher and working smoke alarm
Extra food and warm shelter for pets
Generator (always used outdoors)

How to stay safe during a power outage

If a storm threatens to knock out power, unplug electronics and appliances to prevent damage when electricity returns.

When temperatures drop indoors, keep all exterior doors closed. Use towels to block drafts coming through door and window gaps. Heavy blankets can also help insulate windows.

The NWS recommends dressing in loose, warm layers and eating foods that help your body generate heat. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can increase heat loss.

Action: With ongoing widespread weather-related power outages occurring and expanding across N Mississippi and portions of W Tennessee, we want to remind you of how to stay warm if your power goes out. pic.twitter.com/EkYecwFbnS
— NWS Memphis (@NWSMemphis) January 25, 2026

If you use a generator

Carbon monoxide is a deadly risk.

Keep generators far away from doors, windows, and vents.
Never run them indoors or in enclosed spaces.
Make sure they are properly ventilated at all times.

Communication tips

Limit non‑emergency phone calls to keep lines open. Text messages are more reliable during outages, but use your phone sparingly to conserve battery life when you can’t recharge.