Monster Winter Storm Leaves 670,000 Without Power, Grounds Nearly 10,000 US Flights

The Chronify

January 25, 2026

A powerful winter storm sweeping across the United States has knocked out electricity for more than 670,000 customers and caused widespread travel chaos. Nearly 10,000 flights were canceled as snow, ice and extreme cold threatened to paralyze large parts of the country.

A massive winter storm battered the United States on Sunday, leaving more than 670,000 customers without electricity as far west as New Mexico and forcing the cancellation of almost 10,000 flights, according to utility and aviation tracking data.

Forecasters warned that snow, sleet, freezing rain and dangerously low temperatures would sweep across the eastern two-thirds of the country, with conditions expected to worsen through the coming week. The storm is forecast to bring heavy snowfall, icy roads and wind chills posing serious risks to public safety.

Seventeen US states and the District of Columbia have declared weather emergencies, the Department of Homeland Security said, as authorities mobilised resources to respond to power outages, travel disruptions and emergency calls.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem warned Americans to take precautions during a news conference on Saturday, urging people to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for prolonged outages and hazardous conditions.

US President Donald Trump said his administration was closely monitoring the situation.
“We will continue to monitor, and stay in touch with all States in the path of this storm. Stay Safe, and Stay Warm,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

Airports across the country reported severe disruptions, with airlines struggling to manage delays and cancellations as ice and snow made ground operations unsafe. Utility companies said restoration efforts could be slowed by ongoing weather conditions.

Emergency officials warned that the combination of heavy snow, freezing rain and extreme cold could strain infrastructure, disrupt supply chains and pose life-threatening risks, particularly to elderly residents and those without access to heating.