A sprawling storm system turns deadly and disruptive
A powerful winter storm intensified across large parts of the United States on Sunday, January 25, 2026, bringing heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain to a broad corridor from the South into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Forecasters warned that the storm’s most dangerous element could be prolonged icing, which can topple trees and power lines and make roads impassable even when snowfall totals are modest.
The National Weather Service warned of the risk of “catastrophic” ice accumulation in parts of the Lower Mississippi Valley into portions of the Southeast, while heavier snow bands were expected from the Ohio Valley into the Northeast. The system has already produced hazardous travel conditions, prompting repeated public safety advisories and closures along major interstates.
Power outages spread as icing expands
As the storm moved east, utilities reported growing outage totals across multiple states. In several areas, the threat was not just the initial burst of freezing rain but the potential for additional gusty winds to worsen damage overnight. Officials cautioned that restoration could take time where ice loads remain heavy, and urged residents to plan for extended periods without heat or electricity.
Emergency declarations widened as conditions deteriorated. Federal resources were positioned to support state and local responders, and officials emphasized the importance of avoiding unnecessary travel, especially on untreated secondary roads where ice can linger.
Air travel grinds down nationwide
Airports and airlines faced one of the most chaotic travel days in years. Thousands of flights were canceled across the country as carriers tried to reposition aircraft and crews away from the hardest-hit regions. Some airports reported near-total cancellations of scheduled departures, and travelers were advised to confirm flight status before heading to terminals.
Consumer advocates and regulators reiterated that passengers are entitled to refunds when airlines cancel flights, including for non-refundable tickets and unused add-ons, and that rebooking options may be limited while storm conditions persist.
What to watch next
- Additional icing and wind-driven outages in parts of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic through overnight hours
- Heavier snow bands from the interior Mid-Atlantic into New England into Monday
- Slow recovery at major airline hubs as de-icing, runway clearing, and crew constraints cascade
Officials urged residents to monitor local alerts, conserve phone battery, keep emergency supplies accessible, and check in on older adults and anyone without reliable heat. With temperatures expected to remain frigid, authorities warned that exposure risk could rise even after precipitation ends.