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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Katie Hawkinson

Winter storm latest: Three dead and a million without power while snow and ice blanketed 26 states

A major winter storm continued to blanket parts of the U.S. with snow and ice on Sunday, leaving more than a million energy customers without power and disrupting travel throughout the western half of the country.

More than 10,000 flights were cancelled on Sunday, while another 934 were delayed.

Heavy snow was reported from the Ohio Valley to the U.S. northeast. In the south, ice accumulation caused power outages for hundreds of thousands.

Since Friday, 24 states have declared emergencies to get ahead of the cleanup and response work that will no doubt be needed once the storm has passed.

The snow will continue to fall throughout Sunday evening and into Monday. Several places received record-breaking snowfall on Saturday and Sunday.

After the initial storm has passed, a record period of cold is set to follow for some parts of the country, locking the snow and ice in while workers fight to restore power in sub-zero windchill.

Key Points

  • Snowfall records broken in some parts of the U.S.
  • US braced for mass disruption and power outages amid massive winter storm
  • More than 900,000 power customers report outages

That's all for today's live coverage

23:02 , Graig Graziosi

The Independent is pausing today’s live storm coverage.

Stock up on non-perishable foods, experts warn

Friday 23 January 2026 16:58 , Katie Hawkinson

Ahead of this weekend’s severe winter storm, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is warning impacted residents to gather supplies.

“Think about what you may need to last several days if the power goes out and you can’t leave your location. Create an emergency kit and stock up now as stores or food pantries may run out of supplies,” the agency said in a Friday statement.

Essential items could include non-perishable food that doesn’t require refrigeration or cooking, bottled water, prescription medications, first-aid supplies, flashlights and power banks.

Grocery stores across the country are already running low on inventory as residents stock up for the storm.

Grocery stores across the U.S. are running low on items as residents prepare for this weekend’s winter storm (Getty Images)

University of Georgia tells students to go home for weekend

Friday 23 January 2026 17:10 , Katie Hawkinson

The University of Georgia is encouraging students to go home after their last class Friday to prepare for this weekend’s winter storm.

“Residence halls will remain open for students who choose to stay, but if there are power outages, water line breaks or other complications from the storm, University Housing may need to consolidate those who remain on campus into a limited number of temporary housing areas with emergency heat and meal services,” the school said in a statement.

Ice accumulation, freezing rain and sleet are expected in Georgia this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Texans brace for winter storm to impact power grid

Friday 23 January 2026 17:11 , Katie Hawkinson

There are growing concerns about how this weekend’s winter storm could impact the Texas power grid.

Just five years ago, a massive winter storm caused statewide blackouts. But officials are hoping this time is different, thanks to some new improvements to the power grid.

"Technically speaking, that means insulating pipes, valves, instruments so they don’t freeze, adding heat tracing, like electric heaters, on critical equipment, protecting sensors, control systems and weatherproofing," Matthew Boms, executive director of the Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance, told NBC News.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott also expressed optimism that the state’s power grid will remain strong.

"The ERCOT grid has never been stronger, never been more prepared and is fully capable of handling this winter storm," Abbott said Thursday. "There is no expectation whatsoever that there’s going to be any loss of power from the power grid."

A car drives along a snowy road Houston, Texas, ahead of a winter storm that's expected to hit the state this weekend (Getty Images)

Washington DC declares state of emergency

Friday 23 January 2026 17:33 , Katie Hawkinson

Washington, D.C., has declared a state of emergency as the nation’s capital braces for the upcoming winter storm.

Some areas of D.C. could see up to a foot of snow this weekend. Nearby areas, including western Maryland and northern Virginia, could see up to 18 inches of snow.

Trump warns of cold temperatures and questions global warming

Friday 23 January 2026 17:47 , Katie Hawkinson

President Donald Trump appeared to question the ongoing climate crisis in a Truth Social post shared Friday ahead of this weekend’s severe winter storm.

“Record Cold Wave expected to hit 40 States. Rarely seen anything like it before. Could the Environmental Insurrectionists please explain — WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING???” Trump wrote.

Experts say climate change can actually contribute to higher snow levels. This is because a warming atmosphere can lead to more water evaporation, and warm air can hold more moisture, according to the Environmental Defense Fund.

That lays the foundation for more snow: When there’s more moisture in the air, that moisture can fall as snow when conditions are right, making snowstorms more intense,” the non-profit writes on its website.

President Donald Trump said several states are expecting record cold temperatures this weekend (Getty)

'Widespread aviation hazards' expected today

Friday 23 January 2026 18:00 , Katie Hawkinson

“Widespread aviation hazards” are expected this afternoon as a damaging winter storm barrels across the U.S., according to the National Weather Service.

Many airports are expected to be impacted, and travelers are already experiencing delays and cancelations.

More than 1,800 flights into, out of or within the U.S. have been delayed so far on Friday, while nearly 500 flights have been canceled, according to FlightAware.

Mapped: Nationwide temperature forecasts

Friday 23 January 2026 18:17 , Katie Hawkinson

The National Weather Service has released an updated map forecasting temperatures across the U.S.

Several states could see high temperatures in the negatives today. Wind chills could bring temperatures down as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit (-45 degrees Celsius) in some states this weekend.

A nationwide temperature forecast map for Friday (National Weather Service)

Major college basketball games rescheduled over storm

Friday 23 January 2026 18:28 , Katie Hawkinson

This weekend’s major winter storm has forced several college basketball teams to reschedule their matches this weekend.

Start times for multiple games — including Wake Forest vs. Duke, Houston vs. Texas Tech and Virginia vs. North Carolina — have been rescheduled to earlier in the day on Saturday.

How freezing rain could knock out power to millions

Friday 23 January 2026 18:40 , Katie Hawkinson

Freezing rain across the U.S. could knock out power to millions of people this weekend.

Here’s how it works — and why officials are urging residents to prepare themselves:

Why freezing rain has millions at risk of losing power — and heat

How to protect your pets this weekend

Friday 23 January 2026 19:00 , Katie Hawkinson

The ASPCA has released a series of tips on how to protect animals during this weekend’s severe winter storm.

Residents who see pets outside without proper shelter should contact their local law enforcement, the organization said.

Dog owners should also consider jackets or sweaters for short-haired pets. Paw booties can also help protect them from salt and antifreeze products on sidewalks.

Mapped: Winter weather warnings and advisories

Friday 23 January 2026 19:41 , Katie Hawkinson

The National Weather Service has released an updated map of the winter weather watches, warnings and advisories in effect across the U.S.

A map of the winter weather watches, warnings and advisories in the U.S. (National Weather Service)

More than 3,000 flights delayed or canceled today

Friday 23 January 2026 19:51 , Katie Hawkinson

More than 3,000 flights have been delayed or canceled so far today.

More than 2,500 flights within, into or out of the U.S. have been delayed so far on Friday, while more than 540 have been canceled, according to FlightAware.

Further travel delays are expected as the winter storm moves across the U.S.

Mapped: More than 12 inches of snow possible in several states

Friday 23 January 2026 20:00 , Katie Hawkinson

The National Weather Service has released an updated map of the estimated snowfall totals expected across the U.S. this weekend.

More than a foot of snow is possible in several states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania.

Major East Coast cities, including Boston, New York City and Washington, D.C., are also expected to see at least 12 inches of snow.

The National Weather Service's map of estimated snowfall totals across the U.S. this weekend (National Weather Service)

FEMA reveals winter storm preparations: report

Friday 23 January 2026 20:13 , Katie Hawkinson

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is preparing to assist the millions of Americans who will be impacted by this weekend’s severe winter storm.

The agency has prepared 250,000 meals, 400,000 liters of water and several generators at Camp Minden in Louisiana, according to a memo reviewed by Fox News.

The agency also has dozens of drivers ready to move supplies from storehouses in Georgia, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Texas, according to the report.

A truck salts a road in Nashville, Tennessee, to prepare for this weekend’s storm (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

DC mayor asks National Guard for help clearing snow

Friday 23 January 2026 20:20 , Katie Hawkinson

Muriel Bowser, the mayor of Washington, D.C., has asked the National Guard to assist with snow-clearing efforts.

“The Mayor also requested vehicle support from the DC National Guard, including high ground clearance vehicles, to ensure first responders can effectively move around the city throughout the storm,” Bowser’s office said in a statement.

The nation’s capital could get up to a foot of snow this weekend, while surrounding areas in Virginia and Maryland could see upwards of 18 inches.

Houston schools close for storm

Friday 23 January 2026 20:28 , Katie Hawkinson

The Houston Independent School District, the largest school system in Texas, will close its schools and facilities on Monday, according to its website.

The region is expected to be hit with freezing rain, which could lead to hazardous travel conditions, according to the National Weather Service office for Houston/Galveston.

Freezing rain is expected in the Houston area this weekend (National Weather Service)

White House monitoring for storm impacts

Friday 23 January 2026 20:39 , Katie Hawkinson

President Donald Trump’s administration is “closely monitoring” the upcoming severe winter storm, which is expected to impact millions of Americans.

“The entire Trump Administration is closely monitoring the anticipated weather and is undertaking a whole-of-government approach to respond as appropriate,” a White House official said.

'Stay home,' Mamdani warns New Yorkers

Friday 23 January 2026 20:50 , Katie Hawkinson

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani cautioned residents to stay home as a severe winter storm passes through the region.

"I want to encourage New Yorkers to do something that we don’t often have the luxury of doing, which is to take a breath and stay home," Mamdani told reporters Friday.

“Stay indoors, stay off the roads, watch the snow come down, watch the worst possible reality TV show you can find, and take some time away from the roads,” he added.

The city could see more than a foot of snow overnight Sunday into Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

People brave the cold as they walk along the Brooklyn Bridge ahead of a winter storm expected to bring more than a foot of snow to New York City (AFP via Getty Images)

Georgia to see worst ice accumulation in over a decade

Friday 23 January 2026 21:01 , Katie Hawkinson

This weekend’s winter storm is expected to bring the most ice to Georgia the state has seen in at least 12 years, emergency management officials told reporters today.

Ice accumulation could reach up to an inch in some parts of the state, according to the National Weather Service’s Atlanta office.

Texas crews prepare roads for winter storm

Friday 23 January 2026 21:18 , Katie Hawkinson

Crews in Texas are preparing the roads for this weekend’s winter storm, according to the Texas Department of Transportation’s Houston District.

Snow, ice and freezing temperatures could create dangerous travel conditions in several states over the weekend.

Air travel has also been impacted, with more than 3,000 flights delayed or canceled so far today. More delays and cancelations are expected throughout the weekend.

In pictures: Americans rush to purchase supplies ahead of winter storm

Friday 23 January 2026 21:35 , Katie Hawkinson

Americans are rushing to purchase salt, shovels and other supplies ahead of this weekend’s massive winter storm.

Americans are rushing to buy ice melt, shovels and other supplies ahead of this weekend's storm (Getty Images)
An employee at a store in Louisville, Kentucky, restocks snow shovels (Getty Images)
Shoppers line up at a grocery store in Lenexa, Kansas (Getty Images)

Flight cancelations and delays jump to nearly 4,000

Friday 23 January 2026 21:45 , Katie Hawkinson

Nearly 4,000 flights have been canceled or delayed so far across the U.S. today, according to FlightAware.

Travel disruptions, including “widespread aviation hazards,” are expected this afternoon and throughout the weekend thanks to the upcoming winter storm, according to the National Weather Service.

University of Maryland cancels class Monday

Friday 23 January 2026 22:00 , Katie Hawkinson

The University of Maryland has canceled classes on Monday, citing inclement weather.

Snow and sleet accumulations could reach up to 18 inches in parts of Maryland, according to the National Weather Service.

How to stay safe during a power outage

Friday 23 January 2026 22:14 , Katie Hawkinson

Widespread power outages are expected as a severe winter storm barrels across the U.S.

The National Weather Service has shared a series of tips on how to stay safe and warm in the event of a power outage this weekend.

“The cold can be deadly--but even without power, there are still ways to warm things up. Closing blinds and curtains and closing room doors can help contain heat, and stuffing towels in the cracks under doors can help keep the warmth in. Don’t forget about eating and staying hydrated - food provides energy to warm the body,” the service said.

What to know about the dangers of heavy snow

Friday 23 January 2026 22:31 , Katie Hawkinson

Heavy snow can cause dangers on and off the roads.

The National Weather Service warns that heavy snow “can bring multi-day Power Outages, block emergency routes, and cause Communication Loss from downed lines.”

Residents expecting to be impacted by heavy snow this weekend should pack an emergency kit, secure an alternative heat source and stay off the roads, the service warns.

Why your weather app cannot warn you about the coming winter storm

Friday 23 January 2026 22:55 , Katie Hawkinson

The weather app on your phone might be convenient, but experts warn it’s not always the most reliable source of information, especially in extreme weather events.

Here’s why relying on human expertise is important as the nation prepares for a massive winter storm this weekend:

Why your weather app cannot warn you about the coming winter storm

What to know about the use of salt to battle snow and ice

Friday 23 January 2026 23:45 , Katie Hawkinson

Millions of Americans are expected to see heavy snow and ice this weekend.

Here’s what experts say people should consider before using salt to battle ice and snow:

Experts issue warning over use of salt to tackle snow and ice at home

Viral hack claims a Whataburger cup could help save Texans’ pipes freezing during storm this weekend

Saturday 24 January 2026 00:30 , Olivia Ireland

As extreme weather hits Houston, locals are using a helpful hack to prevent frozen pipes.

The Whataburger Cup has become a legitimate last-resort option, according to deputies from Harris County Precinct 4.

Keep reading:

Whataburger cup could help save Texans’ pipes freezing during storm this weekend

What to expect tomorrow

Saturday 24 January 2026 01:15 , Katie Hawkinson

Millions of Americans are bracing for a brutal winter storm that’s set to move from the Southern Rockies to New England over the weekend.

More than 170 million Americans are expected to feel the impacts of this storm.

Forecasters are predicting “widespread heavy snow and sleet,” along with “catastrophic ice accumulation” and “dangerous wind chills,” according to the National Weather Service.

The service issued key warnings and forecast maps on Friday afternoon. Here’s what to know:

The National Weather Service's key messages for the extreme cold temperatures expected to start this weekend (National Weather Service)
The National Weather Service's key messages for this weekend's major winter storm (National Weather Service)

Live coverage paused

Saturday 24 January 2026 02:00 , Katie Hawkinson

The Independent’s live blog coverage has been paused.

Live coverage ended

Saturday 24 January 2026 02:00 , Rachel Dobkin

Live coverage of the winter storm has paused.

Check back tomorrow for updates.

Here’s more on the storm that’s expected to affect more than 170 million Americans :

Animal rescue rushes to save over 200 dogs before winter storm hits the US

States declare state of emergency before winter storm

Saturday 24 January 2026 14:51 , Graig Graziosi

At least 18 states have declared a state of emergency ahead of this weekend’s historic winter storm.

Those states include Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

Washington, D.C. has also declared a state of emergency.

Typically, states declare an emergency ahead of a potentially damaging storm event to access federal disaster response funding and assistance.

Federal offices closed Monday due to storm

Saturday 24 January 2026 15:06 , Graig Graziosi

Federal workers in the nation’s capital are getting a snow day, sort of.

The Office of Personnel Management announced on Friday that all federal offices in the Washington,D.C. region will be closed on Monday.

The closure is in response to the storm expected to roll into the region on Saturday night.

According to the agency, approximately 279,000 federal workers are based in the D.C. area.

More than 10,000 flights have been cancelled for this weekend

Saturday 24 January 2026 15:28 , Graig Graziosi

More than 10,000 flights have been cancelled for this weekend, according to FlightAware.

As of this report, 3,756 flights were cancelled for Saturday, and another 6,486 have been cancelled for Sunday.

Mississippi already dealing with ice ahead of major storm

Saturday 24 January 2026 16:13 , Graig Graziosi

As of Saturday morning, Mississippi was already experiencing widespread icing.

The state’s Department of Transportation asked travelers to stay off the roads unless travel was absolutely necessary.

Mamdani warns New Yorkers of 'near-blizzard' conditions ahead of storm

Saturday 24 January 2026 16:31 , Graig Graziosi

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed city residents on Saturday morning, warning that an incoming major storm was likely to produce dangerous white-out conditions.

”Winds will be gushing at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour,” the mayor said. “New Yorkers can expect whiteout or near-blizzard conditions.”

He also told residents to expect “frigid temperatures” through next week.

“Frankly, it will be colder than any sustained period that New York has experienced in about eight years,” he said.

Mamdani previously said that the city’s sanitation workers will begin salting and plowing the roads once the snow accumulation reaches two inches.

The city is using more than 700 salt spreaders and 2,300 snowplows to respond to the storm. Mamdani called the city’s response workers “the largest snow-fighting operation in the entire country.”

He urged city residents to stay inside as much as possible, especially on Sunday and Monday when a hazardous travel advisory will be in effect.

“Please, if you can avoid it, do not drive, do not travel, do not do anything that could potentially place you or your loved ones in danger,” Mamdani said. “Instead, I urge every New Yorker who can to put a warm sweater on, turn on the TV, watch Mission Impossible for the tenth time – above all, to stay inside.”

Ice in Oklahoma and Texas, sleet in Memphis

Saturday 24 January 2026 17:28 , Graig Graziosi

Freezing rain that froze into ice has reportedly caused power outages and damaged trees in southeast Oklahoma, according to the National Weather Service.

In Texarkana, Texas, nearly a quarter of an inch of ice accumulated on a large tree branch, causing it to snap. The destroyed limb damages power lines.

In Memphis, the National Weather Service advised against travel after reporting a band of sleet moving toward the north of I-40.

Snow accumulation in Nashville

Saturday 24 January 2026 18:10 , Graig Graziosi

As of 11 am local time, Nashville has been blanketed with snow.

Initial projections suggest Nashville could receive up to six inches of snow and possibly an inch of ice build up, according to the National Weather Service.

Windchill is in the single digits and may remain at that level through Monday.

Snow falls downtown in the lower Broadway area on January 24, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. A massive winter storm is bringing frigid temperatures, ice, and snow to millions of Americans across the nation. (Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)

President Donald Trump says he's approved South Carolina. Virginia emergency delcarations

Saturday 24 January 2026 18:40 , Graig Graziosi

President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he has approved the emergency declarations for Virginia and South Carolina ahead of Saturday’s winter storm.

“I have approved Emergency Declarations for the Historic Winter Storms headed to the Great State of South Carolina and the Commonwealth of Virginia,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “With the help of FEMA and our State partners, we will keep everyone safe, and make sure both States have the support they need.”

President Donald Trump approves emergency declarations for South Carolina and Virginia (Truth Social)

Cancelled flights nearing 12,000 across the U.S.

Saturday 24 January 2026 19:22 , Graig Graziosi

More flights have been cancelled as Saturday’s winter storm sets in over the central U.S.

According to the Associated Press, nearly 12,000 flights have been cancelled for Saturday and Sunday as of Saturday afternoon.

The bulk of the cancellations — 8,000 — are for flights scheduled for Sunday, when the storm will be situated over the East Coast and the northeast.

Virginia governor urges residents to get ready for winter storm

Saturday 24 January 2026 19:45 , Graig Graziosi

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger warned residents they had only a few hours left to get prepared for a winter storm that is expected to hit the region on Saturday evening.

“Please use these final hours to be prepared, to make sure that you have blankets and warmth and food to make it through this storm,” Spanberger said during a news conference on Saturday. “And every Virginian should stay off the road as of this evening, all day Sunday, and at least into the morning on Monday.”

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp tells some state employees to work from home until Tuesday

Saturday 24 January 2026 21:33 , Graig Graziosi

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp told state employees living and working in northern Georgia counties and who are not part of the storm response effort to work from home through Monday.

He said that state office in areas affected by the storm would be open again on Tuesday, pending conditions.

Capital Metro in Austin suspends trains beginning at 4pm

Saturday 24 January 2026 22:00 , Graig Graziosi

The Capital Metro in Austin, Texas is ending its service for the day at 4pm local time on Saturday in response to the storm.

All services will remain closed on Sunday, and may be reopened on Monday pending conditions.

Austin was recently upgraded to an ice storm warning lasting until noon local time on Sunday. Up to half an inch of ice accumulation is possible.

An extreme cold warning is also in effect until noon local time on Monday. Wind chills as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit are predicted.

Trump approves a slew of emergency declarations ahead of major winter storm

Saturday 24 January 2026 22:17 , Graig Graziosi

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday evening that he had approved a number of emergency declarations for states in the path of a major winter storm.

“I have just approved Emergency Declarations for Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, and West Virginia,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “We are working closely with FEMA, Governors, and State Emergency Management teams to ensure the safety of everybody. Stay Safe, and Stay Warm!”

Earlier in the day Trump approved similar emergency declarations for Virginia and South Carolina.

Smithsonian closes all DC-area museums

Saturday 24 January 2026 22:30 , Graig Graziosi

The Smithsonian announced on Saturday that it is closing all of its museums in the Washington, D.C. area in anticipation of Saturday evening’s winter storm.

The museums will remain closed through Monday, January 26.

New York Mayor warns city could see 8 to 9 inches of snow

Saturday 24 January 2026 22:30 , Graig Graziosi

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani warned city residents to expect up to 8 or 9 inches of snow by Monday.

"By early Monday morning, the heaviest of the weather will have passed, although some precipitation could continue through the day," Mamdani said. "We expect at least 8 to 9 inches of snow, and likely more.”

He also said along with the snow accumulation, residents should expect “intense” cold.

“This will not just be snow. This storm will also bring with it intense cold, a prolonged period of frigid temperatures that will last through the next week," Mamdani said.

Virginia governor warns of possibly 'catastrophic' power outages

Saturday 24 January 2026 23:00 , Graig Graziosi

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger warned residents that parts of the state could experience “significant and extended power outages” that she described as “catastrophic.”

“Because of wind we’re anticipating, because of the ice and because of the freezing temperatures, we expect Virginia will experience power outages even after the snow has ended,” Spanberger said during a press conference on Saturday afternoon.

She urged Virginians to use the remaining hours before the storm arrives to make sure they’re prepared.

“We know the impact of this storm will be tremendous,” Spanberger said. “Significant snowfall, significant ice and we are anticipating, because of the dangerous low temperatures, ongoing impacts of this storm will continue after the point in time when the snow or the ice have stopped falling.”

Live blog coverage paused

Saturday 24 January 2026 23:02 , Graig Graziosi

The Independent’s live coverage of the winter storm has paused for the evening. Stay with The Independent for more breaking news.

Reagan Washington National Airport cancels all flights for Sunday

16:59 , Graig Graziosi

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport just outside Washington, D.C. announced on Saturday that it is cancelling all of its flights for the day.

Snow and freezing rain covered the region on Saturday and precipitation near the airport continued into noon on Sunday.

Welcome to The Independent's live storm coverage

15:11 , Graig Graziosi

Stick with The Independent throughout the day for storm information and breaking news.

US braced for mass disruption and power outages amid massive winter storm

15:16 , Graig Graziosi

A severe winter storm has unleashed travel chaos across the United States, prompting airlines to issue widespread warnings of cancellations and delays at some of the nation's busiest airports. Sunday is anticipated to be a particularly brutal day for travellers.

The National Weather Service reported on Saturday night that extensive snow, sleet, and freezing rain threatened nearly 180 million people – more than half of the US population – along a vast stretch from the southern Rocky Mountains to New England. Following its sweep through the South, forecasters predict the storm will advance into the Northeast, bringing an estimated 30 to 60 centimetres (1 to 2 feet) of snow from Washington through New York and Boston.

READ MORE:

US braced for mass disruption and power outages amid massive winter storm

Snowfall records broken in some parts of the U.S.

16:55 , Graig Graziosi

Some cities logged record breaking single-day snowfall on Saturday as the massive winter storm rolled east across the country.

Kansas City, Missouri received 5.2 and Wichita, Kansas both received 5.2 inches, and St Louis, Missouri recorded 5.1 inches, according to the National Weather Service.

Today, the storm is dumping snow on the northeast and will continue to do so in some areas through Monday morning.

The massive winter storm in photos

18:10 , Graig Graziosi
People play with snowballs by the Washington Monument during snowfall, as a major winter storm spreads across a large swath of the United States, in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 25, 2026. (REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz)
Jonnie Plass snowboards on the stairs near the Lincoln Memorial on January 25, 2026 in Washington, DC. A massive winter storm is bringing frigid temperatures, ice, and snow to nearly 200 million Americans from Texas to New England. (Photo by Alex Kent/Getty Images)

A worker shovels snow during a winter storm in Philadelphia, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
People walk across Sixth Avenue as snow falls in the Manhattan borough of New York City on January 25, 2026. (AFP via Getty Images)
Icicles form on power lines during a winter storm in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP)

More than 900,000 power customers report outages

18:24 , Graig Graziosi

According to Poweroutage.com’s U.S. map, more than 900,000 energy customers are now without power.

The outages follow the path of the winter storm. The bulk of the outages as of Sunday afternoon were in Tennessee, where severe ice accumulation has caused significant power disruption. More than 300,000 outages have been reported in Tennessee.

Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi all reported more than 100,000 customers without power as of Saturday afternoon.

Eastern states affected by the storm are faring better, at least for now. West Virginia is almost 32,000 outages, Virginia only around 14,400, and North Carolina reported approximately 17,200.

South Carolina has only reported 3,624 outages.

Not just snow: Tornado watch issued for parts of the south

19:18 , Graig Graziosi

The winter storm isn’t just bringing snow and ice, it is also spinning off other severe weather threats in the South.

On Saturday afternoon, a tornado watch was issued for portions of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.

The watch will be in effect until 7pm tonight.

The major cities included in the watch region are Montgomery, Alabama, Albany, Georgia, Pensacola and Panama City.

Power outages hit 1 million

19:28 , Graig Graziosi

There are more than 1 million energy customers without electricity as the winter storm’s heavy snowfall and severe ice accumulation disrupt power utilities across the south.

Tennessee is still faring the worst, reporting more than 330,000 outages.

Both Louisiana and Mississippi still are both reporting more than 100,000 outages as of Saturday afternoon.

Snow causes roof collapse at Arkansas yacht club, trapping six

20:32 , Graig Graziosi

Six people had to be rescued and 22 other evacuated after the roof of the Little Rock Yacht Club Marine in Arkansas collapsed on Sunday, according to the West Pulaski Fire Department.

Some of the individuals in their houseboats were ended up stuck inside the vessels when the roof came down. Fire fighters eventually managed to free everyone.

“The collapse is believed to have been caused by the weight of accumulated snow and sleet,” the Pulaski County Government said in a Facebook post. “Please continue to use caution around structures and docks as winter weather impacts persist.”

At least three dead in winter storm

21:42 , Graig Graziosi

The storm has contributed to at least three deaths.

Two men from Caddo Parish, Louisiana, reportedly died from hypothermia, according to the state’s health department.

A third person was found dead in Austin, Texas, also apparently from hypothermia, according to Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services.

U.S. Coast Guard ship called to save Lake Michigan cargo ship caught in ice

22:15 , Graig Graziosi

A U.S. Coast Guard cutter was dispatched to help free a 650-foot cargo ship that had become stuck near Beaver Island in Lake Michigan.

In a post on X, the service confirmed its operation had been successful.

"The Mackinaw arrived on scene & freed the vessel from the ice, assisting it back to navigable waters," the service wrote.

Winter storm in photos

22:25 , Graig Graziosi

Abrar Omar walks through Manhattan during a winter storm, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in New York. (Copyright 2026 (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa))
People sled at Philadelphia Art Museum steps by the Rocky statue during a winter storm in Philadelphia, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (Copyright 2026 (AP Photo/Matt Rourke))
An aerial photo shows several inches of fresh snow covering a residential neighborhood on January 25, 2026 in Columbia, Missouri. A massive winter storm on January 24 dumped snow and freezing rain from New Mexico to North Carolina as it swept across the United States towards the northeast, threatening tens of millions of Americans with blackouts, transportation chaos and bone-chilling cold. After battering the country's southwest and central areas, the storm system began to hit the heavily populated mid-Atlantic and northeastern states as a frigid air mass settled in across the nation. (Copyright 2026 (Photo by Austin Johnson / AFP via Getty Images))
A person walks past snowy stairs in downtown Pittsburgh, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (Copyright 2026 (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Storm forces widespread school closures for Monday

22:40 , Graig Graziosi

Schools across the country are preemptively cancelling their classes for Monday as the winter storm continues to dump snow, ice and freezing rain on the nation.

Schools in New York City, Boston, Baltimore Atlanta, Nashville, and Ohio have all already called off their in-person classes for Monday.

Pittsburgh sees the most single-day snowfall since 'Snowmageddon'

23:00 , Graig Graziosi

On Sunday, Pittsburgh recorded more snowfall than any other day on record since the 2010 weather event that came to be known as “Snowmageddon.”

Pittsburgh recorded 9.4 inches of snow by midafternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

In February 2010, during the “Snowmageddon” weather event, Pittsburgh recorded 9.7 inches of snow.

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