Winter storm batters the U.S., grounding flights and straining power and emergency services

A multi-day storm turns into a national travel and safety problem

On Monday, January 26, 2026, a major winter storm sweeping from the South into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast continued to snarl transportation, shut down airport schedules and strain local emergency services. Airlines canceled thousands of flights as freezing rain and heavy snow made it difficult to operate safely, while airports along the East Coast warned travelers to expect long delays, rebooking backlogs and periodic ground stops.

Flight-tracking data showed that the disruption had already piled up over the weekend, and Monday’s schedule remained heavily impacted. Major carriers issued travel waivers across wide regions to give passengers flexibility to rebook without fees, a sign that airlines expected operational problems to persist as crews, aircraft and de-icing equipment were repositioned.

Airlines and regulators cautioned that even once precipitation eased, knock-on effects—aircraft out of place, crews timing out under duty limits, and congestion from rebooked passengers—could keep operations unstable. In the hardest-hit airports, travelers encountered long lines, limited available seats for rebooking and a scramble for hotel rooms as delayed passengers waited for the next available flights.

Over 20,000 cancellations since Saturday; Monday still rough

From Saturday through Monday morning, more than 20,000 flights were canceled across the country, with thousands more scrapped on Monday alone and tens of thousands delayed, according to reports citing FlightAware data. Airports in major Northeast corridor cities reported high cancellation rates, and airlines continued to adjust schedules to match changing weather and runway conditions.

Reuters reported early Monday that cancellations and delays were expected to rise as the day progressed, with the National Weather Service forecasting heavy snow in parts of the Northeast and freezing rain across sections of the Mid-Atlantic. That mix of snow and ice is among the most disruptive to aviation because it increases de-icing needs while also reducing visibility and braking performance on runways.

Power outages and dangerous cold add to the toll

The storm’s impact extended beyond airports. Hundreds of thousands of customers were reported without power in multiple states as ice and heavy snow weighed down lines and trees. Local governments opened warming centers in some areas, urging residents to limit travel, conserve phone batteries and keep an eye on vulnerable neighbors as temperatures plunged.

Officials warned that the combination of extreme cold, slick roads and intermittent outages can be especially dangerous for elderly people, people without stable housing and households dependent on electric heat. Emergency responders reported increased calls related to crashes, exposure concerns and medical events that often spike during prolonged cold snaps.

What travelers were told to do next

Airlines advised travelers to check flight status frequently, use airline apps for self-service rebooking when possible, and avoid heading to the airport without a confirmed itinerary. Transportation officials said operations should gradually normalize once the storm moves offshore and de-icing backlogs clear, but warned that the recovery phase can take days after a widespread weather event.

For passengers still deciding between travel options, the key advice was to rebook early, consider alternate airports where feasible, and keep receipts for reimbursable expenses such as meals or hotels depending on each carrier’s policies. Weather-related cancellations generally do not trigger compensation under U.S. rules, making travel insurance and flexible tickets more valuable during winter peaks.