Winter storm closes schools and disrupts travel across the U.S. as alerts cover more than 100 million people

Closures spread as snow, ice and outages mount

A major winter system pushed across the United States on Monday, January 26, 2026, bringing a wide mix of heavy snow, freezing rain and dangerous travel. The storm disrupted daily routines in multiple regions, triggering widespread school closures and remote-learning plans while utility crews raced to restore electricity to homes and businesses. Officials repeatedly urged residents to limit driving, stay updated on alerts, and prepare for multi-day impacts in some areas.

The National Weather Service said winter storm warnings and advisories covered a vast portion of the country. In addition, ice storm warnings targeted areas where freezing rain can quickly turn roads into skating rinks and weigh down trees and power lines. As conditions deteriorated, local governments and school leaders emphasized that safety decisions were being driven by hazardous roads, reduced visibility, and the likelihood that buses and emergency vehicles would struggle in slick conditions.

Big districts move online or shut down

Several major cities announced closures or remote instruction for January 26. New York City shifted public schools to remote learning, also canceling after-school programs, athletics and adult education for the day. Boston Public Schools said schools and central offices would be closed. Baltimore City Public Schools also confirmed a districtwide shutdown. Atlanta Public Schools suspended classes while monitoring whether conditions would allow an in-person return the next day.

In parts of Tennessee, multiple districts canceled classes as the storm threatened to linger. Rutherford County Schools closed for January 26 and 27, followed by decisions from nearby systems including Clarksville-Montgomery, Metro Nashville, Williamson County and others. The emphasis in each announcement was the same: if roads are icy and visibility is poor, the safest choice is to keep students and staff off the streets.

Ohio schools and universities adjust plans

In Ohio, large districts such as Cincinnati Public Schools and Columbus City Schools canceled classes and extracurricular activities. Colleges and universities also modified operations. The Ohio State University moved instruction online for January 26 and 27 while keeping only limited campus services open. Ohio Wesleyan University closed its campus for January 26, allowing remote teaching where feasible and asking essential staff in areas like facilities, dining and public safety to report if they could do so safely.

Officials warn impacts could last several days

Transportation departments continued treating roads, while power companies focused on downed lines and damaged equipment as temperatures remained low. Weather officials cautioned that additional snow, freezing rain and bitter cold could continue to affect communities, meaning delays and closures could extend beyond a single day. Authorities encouraged residents to conserve energy when possible, check on vulnerable neighbors, and follow official updates as the storm progressed.

• Avoid unnecessary travel during snow and freezing rain, especially overnight and early morning.
• Charge phones and backup batteries before outages, and keep flashlights handy.
• If you must drive, keep blankets, water and a fully fueled vehicle in case you get stranded.
• Monitor local school and transit announcements for Tuesday, January 27, 2026 and beyond.