US Winter Storm: A powerful winter storm rolled over the United States, from the Deep South to the Northeast, on January 25, 2026, causing disruptions in life. Heavy snow, freezing rain, and sleet dumped down to leave over 600,000 customers without power, grounding thousands of flights and underscoring how fragile infrastructure can be during an extreme weather event.
Southern States Hit Hardest
Tennessee, Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana each had more than 100,000 customers without power, as the outages stretched from homes to businesses. The weight of ice and snow snapped power lines, causing hazards and overtaxing utility crews. Freezing rain and sleet coated highways and interstates, bringing travel advisories and road closures.
Northeast Braces for Snowfall
Cities in the Northeast region, such as Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, Washington, Boston, Pittsburgh and Providence, recorded snowfall totals between 8 to 16 inches (20 to 40 cm). The National Weather Service issued a warning to almost 180 million individuals, who make up more than half of the total U.S. population on potential winter weather impacts, travel, and accidents on icy roads.
US Winter Storm: Flight Disruptions & Airport Chaos
Air travel took a major hit, with upwards of 13,500 flights canceled across the country since Saturday-about 9,600 of those on Sunday alone. Major hubs hard-hit include Atlanta Hartsfield, Dallas/Fort Worth, JFK, LaGuardia, Philadelphia, and Charlotte. Great disruptions, according to airlines.
- American Airlines: 1,400+ cancellations
- Delta Airlines: ~1,000 cancellations
- Southwest: ~1,000 cancellations
- United Airlines: 800+ cancellations
- JetBlue: 560+ cancellations (~70% of its schedule)
Passengers were advised to check flight statuses and contact airlines directly, with legal entitlement to full refunds for canceled flights, including non-refundable fees.
US Winter Storm: Travel Safety Recommendations
Authorities reminded residents to avoid non-essential journeys within these areas. Motorists were advised to drive cautiously on icy or snowy road surfaces. They should be prepared with essentials at hand, including having timely updates regarding weather conditions. Airlines informed customers about their options to rebook or receive travel credits.
US Winter Storm: Storm Implications & Preparedness
The weather also demonstrates how challenging it can be to ensure that there is power and transportation during harsh winter weather. There are reminders on how to be prepared and how to make the power grid even better to curb disruptions and save lives.
