Power Outages Surge And Travel Grinds To A Halt As Massive Winter Storm Spreads Across The US (Videos )

AccuWeather® Global Weather Center – Jan. 24, 2026 – An extremely dangerous and disruptive winter storm is expanding and intensifying in the southern and central U.S. and is forecast to bring freezing rain, severe icing, heavy snow and frigid air to more than 30 states from Texas to New England this weekend.

“This is a powerful and dangerous winter storm with extreme ice in the South, heavy snow targeting the Northeast, and the risk of severe thunderstorms near the Gulf Coast,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dan Pydynowski said. “This winter storm will shut it all down.”

A strong intrusion of Arctic air colliding with abundant moisture from both the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf is fueling the winter storm this weekend.

Freezing rain and icy impacts

Freezing rain and ice on the southern side of the storm are quickly expanding. Ice accumulations of one-half inch or more are possible this weekend in the hardest-hit corridor stretching from Texas to the Carolinas.

“Freezing rain is creating extremely dangerous conditions. Roads can go from wet to icy and completely impassable in just minutes,” Pydynowski warned. “Many communities across the South are facing a type of winter storm they are not equipped to manage. Limited road treatment resources mean hazardous conditions may linger longer than expected.”

“Freezing rain is creating extremely dangerous conditions. Roads can go from wet to icy and completely impassable in just minutes,” Pydynowski warned. “Many communities across the South are facing a type of winter storm they are not equipped to manage. Limited road treatment resources mean hazardous conditions may linger longer than expected.”

Icy and dangerous road conditions will make it difficult, if not impossible, for some people to reach emergency shelters or warming centers.

“Patience can save lives. Waiting out the storm at home is far safer than attempting to travel through icy conditions that may not improve for days,” Pydynowski said. “Once ice builds, travel shuts down and emergency response slows dramatically. Even short trips can become life-threatening.”

The biggest snowstorm in years for many areas

Snow impacts along the northern side of the storm will stretch across a 2,000-mile-long span from the Southwest to New England.

A massive zone of 6-12 inches of snow is forecast from New Mexico to Maine.

Heavy snow amounts of 12-18 inches are expected across parts of Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, southern New York and southern New England, where the AccuWeather Local StormMax™ is 30 inches.

AccuWeather expert meteorologists say the dual-center storm will rapidly strengthen near the Atlantic Coast this weekend while it weakens over the South, increasing snow rates to 1-2 inches per hour from the Ohio Valley through the Northeast.

“This storm is impacting a massive portion of the country at the same time. Even areas outside the hardest-hit zones will feel ripple effects through travel delays and supply disruptions,” Pydynowski said.

Travel likely to be shut down for days 

Travel across much of the country is grinding to a halt, with more than 9,000 U.S. flights cancelled so far this weekend, due to this winter storm bringing a rare combination of snow, ice and bitter cold to such a large portion of the country.

“Air travel disruptions are escalating quickly. Flight cancellations are surging nationwide as ice and snow spread through major airport hubs,”
Pydynowski said.

Widespread flight delays and cancellations are expected to continue into early next week with ice, snow and bitter cold impacting major hubs across the country.

Travel and supply chain logistics on highways and rails have slowed to a crawl or stopped entirely along the path of the storm.

AccuWeather expert meteorologists are urging people to reconsider unnecessary travel with the increasing risk of drivers getting stuck or stranded in subfreezing and dangerous conditions.

“People in the hardest-hit areas should plan to stay home for several days. Every unnecessary trip increases the risk of accidents and puts added strain on emergency responders,” Pydynowski said. “What makes this storm especially dangerous is the duration of impacts. Some locations could endure 24 hours or more of freezing rain, ice, or snow.”

Widespread power outages expected during dangerous deep freeze

Bitterly cold Arctic air surging in behind the winter storm will send temperatures plummeting to the lowest levels recorded so far this winter from Texas to the Northeast.

AccuWeather expert meteorologists say people and businesses should prepare for prolonged power outages in subfreezing temperatures. Icy and dangerous road conditions will make it difficult, if not impossible, for some people to reach emergency shelters or warming centers.

“Freezing rain places tremendous strain on trees and power lines. Even small ice accumulations can lead to widespread outages as branches snap and lines sag,” Pydynowski said. “Power outages during this level of cold create serious safety risks. Homes can lose heat quickly, especially overnight. People should prepare for the possibility of being without power and heat for several days.”

Temporary power lines put in place as part of the recovery efforts in the southern Appalachians after Hurricane Helene’s impacts from 2024 increase the risk of power outages in the region from this storm.

“Check on older neighbors, people with medical needs, and anyone without reliable heat. Ice, snow, cold, and power outages can escalate into dangerous situations very quickly for vulnerable people,” Pydynowski said.