Winter Storm Kills at Least 11 Across the U.S., Triggers Power Outages and Travel Chaos
A person holds an umbrella as snow falls in Central Park in New York City on January 25, 2026. A massive winter storm on January 24 dumped snow and freezing rain from New Mexico to North Carolina as it swept across the United States towards the northeast, threatening tens of millions of Americans with blackouts, transportation chaos and bone-chilling cold. After battering the country's southwest and central areas, the storm system began to hit the heavily populated mid-Atlantic and northeastern states as a
A powerful winter storm sweeping across large parts of the United States has left at least 11 people dead, while causing widespread power outages, dangerous road conditions, and thousands of flight cancellations, authorities confirmed.
The storm, driven by a combination of heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and extreme cold temperatures, affected several states across the Midwest, Northeast, and parts of the South. Emergency officials reported fatalities linked to car accidents, exposure to extreme cold, and weather-related medical emergencies.
Millions of residents were placed under winter weather advisories and blizzard warnings, as temperatures plunged well below freezing. In some areas, wind chills dropped to life-threatening levels, increasing the risk of hypothermia and frostbite.
Utility companies reported hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses without electricity, as ice accumulation and strong winds damaged power lines. Crews have been working around the clock to restore service, though officials warned outages could persist in severely affected regions.
The storm also disrupted air and road travel nationwide. Major airports reported mass flight delays and cancellations, while icy highways led to pileups and closures. State authorities urged residents to avoid non-essential travel and to stay indoors where possible.
Hospitals and emergency services were placed on high alert, and warming centers were opened in several cities to shelter vulnerable populations, including the homeless and elderly.
The National Weather Service warned that although the storm system is expected to gradually weaken, dangerous cold conditions may linger, particularly overnight. Officials advised residents to dress in layers, check on neighbors, and ensure pets are protected from the cold.
As cleanup and recovery efforts continue, authorities emphasized the importance of staying informed through official weather updates and following safety guidelines to prevent further loss of life.
The storm is one of the deadliest winter weather events of the season so far, underscoring the ongoing risks posed by extreme winter conditions across the country.
