A powerful winter storm is impacting tens of millions across the U.S., bringing heavy snow to northern regions and crippling ice to the South. Power outages and travel disruptions are widespread, with flight cancellations nearing record levels. Officials warn conditions will remain dangerous into Monday as extreme cold follows the storm.
A massive winter storm is hammering the U.S. with snow, ice, and extreme cold. Over 700,000 without power, nearly 10,000 flights canceled, 20+ states affected, and dangerous travel conditions stretching from Texas to the Northeast. #WinterStorm #Weather pic.twitter.com/6P5FBOnt46
— Matthew Brady (@mattbrady775) January 25, 2026
- A major winter storm, unofficially called Winter Storm Fern by outlets such as The Weather Channel, is impacting large portions of the U.S. as of January 25, 2026.
- The system is producing heavy snow in the Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic, while freezing rain and ice are causing severe damage across the South and Mid-South.
- Power outages have surpassed 700,000 customers nationwide, with the highest concentration in southern states including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and parts of the Southeast.
- Air travel is heavily disrupted, with nearly 10,000 flights canceled, among the highest single-day totals since the COVID era.
- At least 20 states have issued emergency declarations, closed government offices, or restricted travel due to dangerous road conditions.
- The storm is expected to persist into Monday, followed by bitter cold and dangerous wind chills.
- The National Weather Service continues to warn of life-threatening conditions from ice, snow, and cold exposure.
