Storm spreads from the Southwest to New England
A major winter system swept across wide sections of the United States on Sunday, January 25, 2026, bringing a dangerous mix of sleet, freezing rain and heavy snow from parts of the Southwest and South through the Mid-Atlantic and into New England. Weather alerts covered a huge portion of the country, and forecasters cautioned that ice accumulation in some areas could be severe enough to down trees and power lines and make travel treacherous for days.
Officials in multiple states urged people to stay off the roads where possible, emphasizing that even short trips could become risky as surfaces glaze over and temperatures remain low. Emergency preparations expanded as the storm progressed eastward, with local and state agencies coordinating shelter options, road treatment and response resources.
Power outages climb; restoration faces freezing conditions
Power failures grew as the storm intensified, with outages reported across a broad corridor. Utilities warned that restoration could take longer in places hit hardest by ice, because crews may not be able to safely reach damaged lines until conditions improve. Some communities also faced added strain when the same freezing conditions that caused the outages also complicated fueling, transportation and basic supply runs.
Residents described a familiar pattern of winter-storm disruption: a rapid slide from normal routines into limited mobility, closed businesses and the need to conserve heat. Local officials said they were watching vulnerable populations closely, particularly people without reliable heating and those living in rural areas where travel and repairs can take longer even in mild storms.
Air travel collapses at major hubs
Airlines canceled thousands of flights as the storm cut across major airport corridors, producing cascading delays and rebooking bottlenecks. Passengers reported long lines and limited options as aircraft and crews were displaced by weather in one region, then unable to reposition quickly because of conditions elsewhere.
Consumer advocates again stressed an important rule for travelers: when an airline cancels a flight and a passenger chooses not to travel, U.S. regulations entitle the passenger to a refund, including certain fees. Airlines also issued broad travel waivers, allowing many customers to rebook without change fees, though availability remained tight.
Officials warn impacts may linger
The longer-lasting threat was the cold behind the storm. Forecasters said frigid temperatures could keep roads slick and slow the repair of infrastructure, especially where ice has damaged power lines. Emergency managers said the combination of extended outages, limited travel and very low wind chills can rapidly become dangerous for households without reliable heat.
Authorities asked residents to monitor local advisories, check on neighbors and prepare for intermittent outages. With the storm affecting such a wide swath of the country, officials warned that resources could be stretched, making individual preparation—food, medications, warm layers and charged devices—more critical than usual.