A dangerous mix of snow and ice spreads east
A massive winter storm rolled across the United States into Sunday, January 25, 2026, dumping snow, sleet and freezing rain across a wide corridor that stretched from the South through the Mid-Atlantic and into New England. The system combined heavy snow in some regions with a crippling layer of ice in others—an especially disruptive setup because ice can knock down trees and power lines while also turning roads into near-skating rinks. Forecasters cautioned that even after the precipitation tapers, lingering cold can keep untreated roads hazardous and slow restoration work.
The National Weather Service warned of continuing impacts through Monday, including the potential for “catastrophic” ice accumulation in parts of the Lower Mississippi Valley and the Southeast, while significant snowfall was expected farther north from the Ohio Valley toward the Northeast. For residents, the practical guidance was stark: postpone travel if possible, prepare for extended power loss, and treat bridges and overpasses as especially dangerous due to rapid freezing.
Power failures mount as utilities race to restore service
As the storm intensified, power outages climbed sharply across multiple states. In some areas, damage was driven by ice loading on lines and tree limbs; in others, strong winds and rapidly changing temperatures complicated response work. Outage totals were particularly high in parts of the South, where communities are often less equipped for prolonged freezes and where icing can be unusually destructive. Emergency managers urged people to use generators safely, avoid indoor heating methods that can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, and check on neighbors who may be medically vulnerable.
Alongside the electrical disruptions, road conditions deteriorated quickly. Freezing rain can create a nearly invisible glaze, and even a small amount of ice can lead to multi-vehicle crashes, road closures, and delayed emergency response. Officials emphasized that the combination of icing and subfreezing air can turn short trips into hours-long ordeals—especially if drivers become stranded without heat.
Travel chaos: thousands of flights canceled, roads treacherous
Air travel was heavily disrupted as the storm moved across major population centers and airline hubs. Thousands of flights were canceled and many more delayed, with ripple effects across the national network. Airports contended with de-icing needs, reduced staffing, and rapidly changing weather windows that made scheduling difficult. On the ground, highway departments in multiple states reported widespread slick conditions, with officials urging drivers to remain off the roads unless travel was essential.
Federal and state response ramps up
With conditions deteriorating, President Donald Trump approved emergency declarations for at least a dozen states, unlocking federal support. FEMA positioned personnel and resources to assist states facing the heaviest impacts, and local agencies coordinated warming centers and emergency shelter options for residents without heat. Officials also warned that post-storm hazards—downed lines, falling branches and black ice—could remain a threat even after precipitation ends, keeping the situation dangerous into the start of the workweek.