Meteorologists described the storm as "potentially historic" in its impact,with the storm at one point encompassing nearly 2,000 miles (3,200km) of length stretching from the Mexico–United States border far into eastern regions of Canada. Twenty-four U.S. state governors issued emergency declarations in response to the storm. Winter weather alerts were also issued across a similar length of terrain,affecting up to 230 million people. The storm resulted in over 10,000 flights nationwide in the United States to be cancelled or postponed. Travel bans were enacted in numerous states as well.
As of January31,137 fatalities had been confirmed due to the storm. Over a million customers lost power,mostly concentrated within the South where a damaging and crippling ice storm occurred,causing power lines and trees to snap and break under the weight. Icy conditions also led to hazardous travel afterwards. Preliminary damage estimates are believed to be in excess of US$1 billion.[6] Overall,a large swath of snowfall ranging from 1–2 feet (12–24in;30–61cm) occurred from Texas to Maine,and in some cases (particularly in the South) broke daily snowfall records. In the Mid-Atlantic states and Northeast,where the storm became a nor'easter,several locations along the I-95 corridor,specifically Philadelphia,Pennsylvania,and New York City,saw their heaviest snowfall accumulation from this storm in five years since a nor'easter in February 2021. In the aftermath,several days after this storm,the states of North and South Carolina were affected by yet another powerful winter storm,compounding recovery efforts.
Meteorological history
Map plotting the storm's track and intensity,according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
On January 21, 2026, news media reported on forecasting done by meteorologists that a large-scale winter storm was to impact a significant portion of the continental United States and possibly regions of Canada.[10] The storm originated from the effect of a wave in the upper atmosphere elongating the polar vortex, which is normally over northern Canada and Alaska. The cold air from this effect had been forecast to interact with moisture off the coast of California and the Gulf of Mexico to create the expected ice and snow that would impact large portions of North America, especially the United States.[11] The storm first developed on January22 over the Pacific Ocean as a cold-core low moving southeastwards towards the Baja California peninsula. Due to the immense size and expected impact of the winter storm, a NOAAGulfstreamIV-SP flew into the system to collect data in order to improve forecasting accuracy.[12][13] The system developed over the Great Plains midday January23,[14] as a broad trough coalesced over the Plains and Rockies.[15] Wintry precipitation associated with the developing system began to progress to the east (primarily producing sleet and freezing rain), spreading into northern Texas, southern regions of Oklahoma, and southern Arkansas.[16][17] Later that night, a shift in precipitation to snow began over central and eastern Oklahoma and far-western Arkansas, with an increase in moisture expected to lead to snowfall rates of up to 1 inch (2.5cm) per hour.[18] The snow started to fall in central Arkansas in the early hours of January24.[19]
From January23 to January 25, the number of counties under a winter storm warning was the highest recorded.[14][25][when?]National Guardsmen from 12 states were activated in advance of the storm.[26]
Over 560 flights in the United States were cancelled by 4:40p.m.EST on January23, almost 4,000 on January24, and over 9,000 on January25.[27][28] Dozens of Amtrak trains were cancelled,[29][30] and several sporting events were postponed.[31]
250,000 meals, 400,000 liters of water, and 30 generators were pre-positioned at Camp Minden, Louisiana, according to a memo from the Federal Emergency Management Agency issued on January 23. There were also shuttle drivers stationed in Pennsylvania, Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia to transport materials quickly. 28 urban search and rescue teams were on standby as well.[32]
A state of emergency was declared by New Mexico governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and allocated $200,000 to support communities in New Mexico.[33]
Texas governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency on January21, mobilizing the state's Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate response resources.[34] The Texas Rangers cancelled a Fan Fest event that was set to take place on January24.[35]DoorDash activated their Severe Weather Protocol and temporarily suspended its operations in Northwest Texas, including the cities of Amarillo and Lubbock, from January23 at 7:00p.m.CST to January24 at 12:00p.m.CST due to the hazardous road conditions.[36]
South
Governor Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency for 19counties in northern Alabama.[37]
On January22, Arkansas governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency and the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management was authorized $250,000 from the Disaster Response and Recovery Fund of Arkansas.[38]
Louisiana governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency on January18 and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness activated its Crisis Actions Team.[40] Residents were noted to have bought firewood in order to stay warm during the storm and its aftermath.[41] The Louisiana Department of Transportation (LDOTD) said that crews were stocked on deicing solutions and that they would have crews pre-treating roads beginning in shifts on January23.[42]Entergy stated that they would monitor the power situation and respond "as soon as it is safe to do so".[43]
A state of emergency was declared for New York by Governor Kathy Hochul on January23. Early voting for special elections in New York City were cancelled for January25.[51]LaGuardia Airport closed at 1 p.m. on January 25 during the storm while NJ Transit and NYC Ferry also suspended service.[52] All state parks in New Jersey were closed on January24 at 5:00p.m.[53]SEPTA also began suspending service on January25 at 2:00p.m.[54]
Indiana governor Mike Braun declared a state of emergency and a statewide disaster declaration on January24.[61] The declaration came after heavy snow accumulation, with some reports indicating 1–4 inches (2.5–10.2cm) of snowfall accumulation on the evening of January24.[62] The declaration was also issued in anticipation of forecasts released earlier on January 24 projecting 12–18 inches (30–46cm) of snowfall accumulation in the state from January24 to January25, primarily in the southern portions of the state.[63]
In Iowa, cold temperatures required schools to be cancelled on January23 and delayed on January26.[64][65][66]
Missouri governor Mike Kehoe issued a state of emergency and activated the state's National Guard as well as its Emergency Operations Center.[67]Kansas governor Laura Kelly declared a state of disaster emergency on the morning of January23.[68]Ohio governor Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency on January24 and suspended normal state purchasing requirements to procure necessary resources.[69]
Connecticut governor Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency on the night of January24 and scheduled it to take effect on January25 at noon. Concurrent with the emergency declaration was a statewide travel ban for all semi trucks, RVs, tankers, and vehicles towing trailers. The truck ban was lifted on January26 at 6:30a.m.EST.[74]Tweed New Haven Airport was shut down in result of the storm.[75]
In the Maritimes, Environment and Climate Change Canada issued yellow winter storm warnings for southern Nova Scotia while yellow snowfall warnings were issued for the rest of Nova Scotia and for the southern half of New Brunswick on January25. A special weather statement was also in effect for Prince Edward Island.[77]
A yellow winter storm warning was issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada for eastern and southern Newfoundland by January 26.[78]
By the afternoon of January 24, over 135,000 power outages were reported.[107] Almost 700,000 were without power by the morning of January 25.[108] By mid-day, that number was over 1 million, primarily in Texas, Louisiana, the Mississippi Delta, and the southern Ohio River basin.[109] That number still rested around 700,000 by mid-day on January 26.[110] Meteorologists from the National Weather Service estimated that there were around 300 million people under winter precipitation and/or cold warnings or advisories.[111] By mid-morning of January 26, over half of the contiguous United States was covered by snow.[112]
January 25 was set to go down as one of the days with the most weather-related flight cancellations in US history, with more than 10,000 cancellations by mid-day.[113] With over 11,000 by end of day, it became the worst day for cancellations since March 30, 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.[114][115] A total of over 20,000 flights had been cancelled from January 23-26.[115]
Southwest
Bonito Lake, New Mexico recorded 31in (79cm) of snow.[116] The snow in New Mexico led to 32 crashes, of which seven involved injuries.[117]
Many roadways in Texas were closed due to icy conditions.[118] Two 18-wheelers became stuck on a ramp on I-40, requiring them to be towed.[119] One person died in Austin after being exposed to the cold.[120] Two 16-year-old girls in Frisco were killed on sled-back after striking a tree while being pulled along by a car.[121][122] A 56-year-old man was killed in a multi-vehicle crash in Kimble County.[123] Three young boys were killed after falling through ice on a pond near Bonham.[124][125] Two cold-related deaths occurred in Fort Worth. A Ponder ISD high school senior student died in a sledding accident. Three were found dead during the cold snap in Houston.[126] Despite only 0.9in (2.3cm) of snow falling at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport on January25, this was still a daily record.[127] The snowfall at the airport caused the Dallas Mavericks to get stuck on the tarmac, forcing them to postpone their game against the Milwaukee Bucks.[128] Further south, icy roads in Houston led to a few roads closing.[129] Many schools in Central Texas re-opened on January 28,[130] and in North Texas on January 29.[131]
Oklahoma City recorded 4.4in (11cm) of snow on January 24, which broke the previous daily snowfall record set in 1948.[132] A woman was killed in a sledding accident in Oklahoma City on January 25.[133]
Little Rock, Arkansas, received 6in (15cm) of snow and broke a daily snowfall record set in 1899.[134] In Saline County, a 17-year-old boy was killed after striking a tree while riding a sled pulled by an ATV.[121] An 11-year-old was killed in an ATV accident in Saline County as well. Four injuries also occurred Saline County with three additional injuries in Columbia County, and one more in Cleburne County. Near Hope, a man was killed in an accident involving an ATV.[135]
There were a total of nine fatalities in Louisiana, five of which were caused by hypothermia. Two deaths occurred in Caddo Parish,[138] with an additional two fatalities in DeSoto Parish due to carbon monoxide poisoning as well as an oxygen concentrator failure from the regional power outage.[139][140] The vast majority of school districts, universities, and municipal governments in Louisiana were closed due to the storm, with many institutions in north Louisiana remaining closed through January30.[141][142][143][144] The lowest temperature of the storm in Louisiana was in Shreveport, where it reached 17°F (−8°C).[145]Alexandria had the highest wind gust of the state at 17 miles per hour (27km/h).[146] Governor Jeff Landry toured north Louisiana by helicopter on January27 to assess the damage.[147][148] Phillip May, CEO of Entergy, told the over 51,000 customers in Louisiana without power since Saturday, January 24 that full power restoration wouldn't be until at least January 31.[149] On January 31, Entergy announced full power restoration wouldn't be until February 5 after high winds caused further repair delays. I-20 suffered multi-day backups lasting into the end of the week.[150]
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves confirmed two fatalities, a 66-year-old in Jackson and a 73-year-old in Iuka, the latter of whom died when a tree fell on his mobile home. Two others were injured in the state.[151] Almost 300,000 customers lost power in Mississippi alone due to the ice storm.[152] The University of Mississippi in Oxford will remain closed through at least February8.[153]
The city of Nashville, Tennessee set a new precipitation record on January24, with 1.92in (49mm) of precipitation. Some of that was freezing rain, leading to the worst ice storm in decades for the region.[158] Additionally, Nashville Electric Service recorded the highest number of outages at one time in its history, peaking at 230,000. The state as a whole still recorded more than 250,000 outages by January 26, the highest number of any state by that time.[159] A driver died in a single-vehicle crash in Dyersburg.[160] A Brownsville man suffered a heart attack while shoveling snow. Two other individuals died amid the storm, one an 11-year-old in Crockett County, the other in Obion County.[161] 18 others were injured in more than 160 additional weather-related crashes across Tennessee.[162] As many as 300,000 people were estimated to have lost power as a result of damaging ice accumulation.[163] Numerous other accidents were reported; officials stated that residents should stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.[163]
The storm affected at least nine radio stations across the country, most in the South, particularly in Georgia and Mississippi, though specific affected stations were not noted. The Federal Communications Commission activated the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS), with the FCC encouraging radio stations to report their status online through the system. As of January26, 2026, no TV stations were affected. The FCC granted special temporary authority for Citizens Band users, relaxing rules for those frequencies.[164]
A line of severe storms produced widespread wind damage along with several suspected tornadoes in southern Alabama, southwestern Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle on January25 with 5 simultaneous tornado warnings at its peak.[5][165] Five tornadoes touched down in Alabama and Florida, one of which was rated EF2.[166][167]
Eastern Iowa experienced wind chill values below −40°F (−40°C).[168] In Iowa, a 17-year-old died and two adults aged 24 and 25 were injured in Jefferson County after winter weather conditions caused the teenager to lose control of her car.[169] A 51-year-old man died from cold exposure in Des Moines.[170]
During the frigid conditions leading up to the storm, a 19-year-old college student was found dead in Ann Arbor, Michigan, after going missing without a coat in frigid conditions.[175] Elsewhere in Michigan, Grand Rapids recorded a low temperature of −19°F (−28°C) on the morning of January 24, which was the coldest temperature recorded in the area since 1994.[176][177] That same morning, Flint recorded a low temperature of −24°F (−31°C), just one degree above the all time record low for the area.[178]
By the morning of January 25, states such as Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Ohio saw snow accumulation of up to 16 inches (41cm).[62]Columbus, Ohio set a new daily snowfall record on January 25, recording 11.9 inches (30cm). The previous daily record of 4.7 inches (12cm) was set in 1988.[179] Treacherous road conditions in the wake of the storm there forced the Columbus Blue Jackets to postpone their game against the Los Angeles Kings to March 9.[180] One person who was plowing snow in Dayton was killed after he was run over by a snow plow vehicle, while a snowmobile driver in Fowler Township was killed after he was struck by a salt truck.[181][182]
A 64-year-old public works employee in Bartlett, Illinois was killed after he was struck by a Metra train while clearing snow in the early morning hours of January 26.[183] A 17-year-old was killed in a crash on SR 13 in Elkhart County, Indiana during icy conditions.[184] Kentucky reported 10 storm-related fatalities, including a 72-year-old woman who died from hypothermia related to the extreme cold.[185][186]
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic
Snow at 1:41 p.m.. on January 25 on Crooke Ave, Brooklyn
By 6a.m. on January 25, 177 car crashes were reported during the storm in Virginia, resulting in multiple injuries. One person was killed in a collision in Fairfax County, but weather was reportedly not a factor.[187] There were two fatalities from weather-related crashes, in Frederick and Pittsylvania counties, respectively.[188][failed verification] The number of crashes rose to 440 by January 26 at 4a.m.[189] Numerous other attractions, as well as city libraries, also remained closed.[190]Dulles International Airport recorded 7in (18cm) of snow.[191] The snowy conditions also forced the express lanes on I-95 and I-395 to close.[192]
In nearby West Virginia, snow totals in many areas were lower than was forecast, though freezing rain caused significant ice accumulation statewide. Multiple counties recorded upwards of 10in (25cm) of snow, with the town of Davis, Tucker County recording 18.3in (46cm).[193] Icy conditions resulted in the closure of New River Gorge National Park.[194] The president of the West Virginia Senate reported an absence of quorum on January 26, with only 4 senators in attendance.[195]Appalachian Power, which services large portions of southern West Virginia, Wheeling, and southwestern Virginia, recorded 46,000 outages amid the storm.[196] The number of outages stood at roughly 12,000 state-wide by January 26, and 5,700 by mid-morning the following day.[197] Among the most heavily impacted areas were Kanawha, Lincoln, Roane, Clay, Nicholas, Boone and Webster counties.[198] About ten percent of Lincoln County residents lost power during the ice storm.[199] An unnamed coal-fired power plant was left idle in advance of and amid the storm due to a change in the bidding process put forward by the regional transmission authorityPJM. Public criticism voiced as a result of this choice led to discussion among state representatives of potentially leaving the organization entirely.[200]
Washington D.C. picked up 6.9in (18cm) of snow and ice accumulation.[201] As a result, federal offices were closed on January 26.[202] All flights were grounded out of Reagan National Airport on January 25, resuming the following day.[203] The snowstorm also forced classes to be cancelled in Washington D.C. from January 26-28, and school openings were delayed on January 29-30.[204]
An avalanche was recorded in Duryea, Pennsylvania, due to the snowstorm.[210] In Philadelphia, 9.1in (23cm) of snow fell, their largest total since the January 2016 United States blizzard.[54] Parts of the state saw up to 20in (51cm) of snow.[211]Lehigh Valley International Airport saw 11.8in (30cm) of snow, breaking the previous record of 10.4in (26cm) from 1988.[212] Three elderly residents of Lehigh County died after experiencing medical emergencies while shoveling snow.[213] A 67-year-old man in Verona, New Jersey also died after having a medical emergency while shoveling snow.[214] Numerous businesses in Philadelphia recorded significantly less business then usual due to the storm.[215] Schools in Philadelphia were also closed from January 26-28, before finally reopening on January 29.[216]
A snowplow truck struck and killed a woman in Norwood, Massachusetts while walking with her husband on January 25.[121][225]I-90's speed limit was reduced to 40mph (64km/h) on the afternoon.[226] By 8p.m. Massachusetts State Police responded to 149 crashes as well as 234 disabled vehicles. Seven were injured due to the crashes. 493 flights arriving and departing Logan International Airport were cancelled by 10:30p.m. on January 25. On January 26, over 500 flights were cancelled. Many areas received over 20in (51cm) of snow by early afternoon, with 22in (56cm) in Sterling. By 2p.m. on January 26, 18.9in (48cm) of snow had been recorded at Logan International. The last time Boston saw a winter storm of 1 foot (30cm) or more was January 29, 2022. Logan International Airport would receive a total of 23.2in (59cm) of snow, the eighth highest snow accumulation on record for Boston. Gloucester saw 27in (69cm) of snow.[225] Between January 25 and January 26 at 4p.m., Massachusetts State Police responded 222 crashes, 12 of which had injuries. The department also reported 402 disabled vehicles, 13 motorist assists, seven vehicle fires, and four abandoned vehicles.[226] The Red Line had delays on January 28 and January 29 due to the effects of the storm. The Commuter Rail had delays on January 29 as well as cancellations from January 27-29.[227]
Further north, nearly 2ft (61cm) of snow fell in the New Hampshire Seacoast.[228] Between 1p.m. on January 25 and 9p.m. on January 26, New Hampshire State Troopers responded to 46 crashes, seven causing injuries, as well as assisted 77 that went off the road and roughly 38 additional motorists. In total, they responded to over 160 weather-related calls. The state police also reduced speed limits on several interstates and two turnpikes.[226] The Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport in Vermont saw four flight cancellations by the night of January 26.[229]
Over 20in (51cm) of snow was reported in Kittery, Maine.[230] Further north in the state, A Bombardier Challenger 650 carrying six people crashed in the process of takeoff at Bangor International Airport near Bangor, during winter weather conditions caused by the snowstorm. According to the airport, all six passengers were killed, contradicting FAA reports. The cause of the incident is currently unknown.[231][232]
Further east, 14cm (5.5in) of snow was recorded at both Ottawa and Montreal.[239][240] 21 flights leaving Ottawa were cancelled by 6am on January 26 and 154 accidents occurred from the morning to 3pm EST. Via Rail saw some cancellations and delays.[239] 3,500 Hydro-Quebec customers were without power, primarily on the Island of Montreal.[240] Two women died in Montreal from the extreme cold during a power outage that occurred at the same time.[99][100]
Atlantic
Snow fell beginning late on January 25 and until the morning of January 27 across the Maritimes. Southern New Brunswick saw 10–25cm (3.9–9.8in) of snow, with estimates of 25–40cm (9.8–15.7in) in Grand Manan.[241] Most school closures occurred in southeastern New Brunswick. At 12:45 p.m., 45 customers were affected by three outages.[242]
Northern and western parts of Nova Scotia saw 30–40cm (12–16in) of snow. The Halifax area received 21–30cm (8.3–11.8in) while Sluice Point recorded 42cm (17in) of snow.[241] Most schools in Nova Scotia were closed on January 26. Government offices were closed until noon of January 27. Many universities had delayed openings. Most community colleges were closed or had delayed openings.[243] All schools were closed on January 27 as well.[242] Some flights out of the Halifax Stanfield Airport were delayed.[243] Bad airfield conditions led the airport to temporarily suspend operations between 8am and 11:15 a.m.. Ten outages were active at 12:15 p.m. impacting 67 customers.[242]
Prince Edward Island reported close to 15cm (5.9in) of snow. Saint Georges saw 27cm (11in) of snow.[241] All schools were cancelled on January 27. Offices opened at 1 p.m. in the West Prince area while offices elsewhere remained closed for January 27. Some health services were suspended or delayed. Two customers were without power in Prince Edward Island at 12:45 p.m. Marine Atlantic cancelled two sailing on January 27. A Bay Ferries departure was delayed.[242]
In Newfoundland, schools were closed in the southeastern part of the Avalon Peninsula while schools in the northeast closed two hours early on January 27. At 12:30 p.m., courts in Saint John's closed. Memorial University campuses closed at 1 p.m. in Saint John's. Facilities in Paradise were suspended at 2 p.m. At 4:30 p.m., recreation facilities in Saint John's closed. A tractor trailer jack-knifed in Appleton.[244]
Winds in Tamaulipas reached up to 56 miles per hour (90km/h). Temperatures in Nuevo Laredo and Guerrero reached 25°F (−4°C).[80] In Chihuahua, wind gusts reached 72km/h (45mph), forcing closures.[245]
12Ghaffar, Nazaneen; McCann, Erin (January 21, 2026). "Everything You Could Possibly Want to Know About This Winter Storm". The New York Times. Retrieved 23 January 2026. Meteorological agencies in some parts of the world assign names to winter storms, but in the United States, only hurricanes and tropical storms get official names from the National Weather Service. Since 2012, The Weather Channel has used its own list of names for storms, a move that has been criticized as a marketing ploy. It is calling this one Fern.
Death tolls come from various meteorological agencies. See Weather of 2026#Deadliest events for the sources to this information.
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