Major winter storm snarls U.S. travel and power as millions remain under alerts

Storm disruption stretches from power outages to grounded flights

A massive winter storm continued to disrupt daily life across a wide swath of the United States on Monday, January 26, 2026, with icy roads, heavy snow, and freezing rain forcing closures and complicating travel. The storm’s impacts have been felt from parts of the South and Midwest through the Northeast, where commuters and emergency crews have battled slick conditions and reduced visibility.

Officials in multiple states urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, citing dangerous road conditions and the risk of stranded motorists. School districts and universities in several regions canceled in-person classes or shifted to remote learning as the system moved east, while local governments prepared warming centers and additional shelter capacity for those without heat.

Air travel has taken a major hit as airlines trimmed schedules amid de-icing delays and airport congestion. Market and travel briefings described widespread cancellations, with disruptions concentrated in major hubs along the eastern half of the country. The broader ripple effects have included missed connections, delayed cargo shipments, and overbooked rebooking lines for travelers attempting to get ahead of the next wave of weather.

Utilities also faced strain. Ice accumulation and high winds brought down trees and power lines in parts of the storm track, leaving hundreds of thousands of customers without electricity at various points. Crews in affected states worked to restore service while also contending with difficult access to damaged equipment and continuing precipitation.

What happens next

Forecasters warned that even as the storm’s heaviest bands shift, lingering cold and refreezing could keep roads hazardous overnight and into the morning commute. Emergency managers stressed that conditions can change quickly, urging residents to monitor local advisories, keep vehicles stocked with basic supplies, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

For travelers, airlines advised checking flight status frequently and anticipating cascading delays as aircraft and crews reposition. Public safety officials continued to emphasize a simple message: if you don’t have to be on the roads, staying put is the safest option until plows, salt crews, and rising temperatures can stabilize conditions.