A "doomsday scenario" from the movies is now playing out in the United States. Combining reports from local US governments and media, as of January 27 local time, the current severe winter storm has resulted in at least 38 deaths across 14 US states. This storm has enveloped vast areas of the central and eastern US in blizzards, ice disasters, and freezing temperatures. Currently, over 550,000 households and businesses across the nation remain without power. According to confirmation from New York City Mayor Mamdani, 10 of the 38 deceased are from New York City, all found outdoors, though it is currently unclear if they were homeless. This winter storm caused temperatures in New York City to plummet to their lowest level in 8 years. As of now, nearly 200 million Americans remain under some form of winter weather advisory or warning, a situation expected to persist at least until February 1. Meanwhile, the US National Weather Service is closely monitoring another potential winter storm that could affect the eastern US this weekend. Electricity prices have skyrocketed by 1400%. Under the storm's impact, power outages at their peak affected approximately 810,000 customer accounts. US wholesale spot electricity prices, typically around $200 per megawatt-hour, surged past $3,000 per megawatt-hour in some areas over the weekend, a staggering increase of 1400%. On Monday, next-day power prices in the New England region jumped about 82% to $313 per MWh; prices in the PJM Western grid, covering Pennsylvania and Maryland, soared even more dramatically, by about 360%, to approximately $413 per MWh, hitting a new high since January 2014. PJM Interconnection, the nation's largest grid operator, anticipated that power generation disruptions on Monday would reach 22.4 gigawatts, accounting for 16% of its total supply capacity, with the Mid-Atlantic region being the hardest hit. The surge in electricity prices is even more astonishing. The wholesale spot price, usually around $200 per MWh, briefly exceeded $3,000 in some regions last weekend; next-day prices in New England surged 82% to $313/MWh, while the PJM Western grid, encompassing Pennsylvania and Maryland, saw a massive 360% increase, reaching its highest level since 2014. Soaring electricity bills are becoming one of the most sensitive social issues in the US currently. The latest data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that the average American household's electricity bill for 2025 increased by 6.7% compared to the previous year, meaning an average extra payment of nearly $116. An ordinary household in Washington D.C. is relying on thick loungewear and blankets to save on heating costs; a three-person shared apartment in New York, where winter electricity bills were typically split to around $150 monthly in previous years, saw the bill for the coldest month this year directly surpass $220. US natural gas prices hit a three-year high. The massive winter storm triggered a sharp spike in US natural gas prices, reaching a three-year peak. The February-delivery Henry Hub natural gas futures price surged to $7.43 per million British thermal units (mmBtu) on the 26th, marking a 140% increase since January 16. According to relevant reports on the 26th, spot natural gas prices in several Northeastern states rose to between $50 and $100 per mmBtu over the weekend, with trading prices on the 26th reaching as high as approximately $150. This blizzard is expected to increase consumers' spending on natural gas and electricity. PJM Interconnection predicted that the winter electricity demand record would be broken on the 27th. This grid operator serves over 67 million people in the Northeast and Midwest. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) stated on the 26th that the state's natural gas power generation reached 48 gigawatts that day, a record high. Ernie King, Research Director for the Americas Gas Research Team at Wood Mackenzie, said, "Price depends on how much inventory you have, and this weather has consumed a significant portion." Simultaneously, natural gas production has also declined due to the severe cold. Data provided by S&P Global Commodity Insights shows that US natural gas production fell by 9% on the 25th, with the decline concentrated mainly in Texas and the central region. S&P Global noted that supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for export have dropped by 30%, as domestic US prices have now surpassed international prices. Risk Advisory. This winter storm has a wide impact range and strong destructive power; the ensuing extreme cold will make de-icing and recovery efforts exceptionally difficult, with effects potentially lasting for several days. Chinese nationals, overseas Chinese, and international students in the US are urged to remain highly vigilant and prioritize safety. Avoid outdoor exposure, as skin can suffer frostbite within minutes in extreme cold. When using generators, gas heaters, or car heating systems indoors, ensure adequate ventilation to strictly prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. If conditions allow, prepare at least a 72-hour supply of food, drinking water, medication, and emergency power sources. Given that the 2021 Texas freeze caused grid failure, it is advisable to fully charge mobile phones and power banks in advance. Familiarize yourself with the location of the main water shut-off valve in your home for emergency closure in case pipes freeze and burst. If driving is necessary, ensure the vehicle's battery and antifreeze are in good condition, and install snow chains. Exercise extra caution on easily icy road sections like overpasses and intersections. Maintain contact with family, friends, local Chinese student associations, and community organizations to ensure timely assistance can be received or provided when needed. Finally, dial 911 in case of emergency (Chinese language service can be requested).