WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2026 — A massive winter storm — unofficially dubbed Winter Storm Fern — continues to pummel large swaths of the United States on Sunday, leaving hundreds of thousands without power, triggering widespread travel disruptions, and prompting emergency declarations from coast to coast.
The storm system, driven by an Arctic cold front and abundant moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific, has spread heavy snow, freezing rain and sleet from the Southern Plains through the Midwest and up the Eastern Seaboard. Meteorologists describe the event as one of the most expansive winter weather systems in recent years, with more than 230 million people under winter weather alerts across over 40 states.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service (NWS) warned of “catastrophic ice accumulation” and snow totals exceeding a foot in parts of the Ohio Valley, Mid‑Atlantic and Northeast. Cities from New Orleans to New York City have seen significant impacts, with ice coating roadways and sleet causing dangerous conditions far south of the traditional snow belt.
By Sunday morning, more than 500,000 electric utility customers were reported without power across multiple states, particularly in Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana, where ice buildup has downed power lines and snapped tree limbs. Officials in several states have declared states of emergency, mobilizing National Guard units and additional resources to assist with road clearing and emergency response.
The storm has also severely disrupted air travel. U.S. airlines and major airport hubs reported thousands of flight cancellations, leaving travelers stranded and airports struggling to manage delays. Airports in Dallas‑Fort Worth, Charlotte, Philadelphia and New York’s major terminals have been among the hardest hit, with airlines advising passengers to check flight statuses frequently and seek refunds for canceled services where necessary.
In the Northeast, cities including New York, Boston, and Philadelphia saw heavy snowfall throughout the day Sunday. New York City’s Department of Transportation reported that crews were working around the clock to clear major streets and bridges, though icing on elevated roadways has made travel treacherous.
“Our priority is the safety of the public and ensuring that essential travel routes remain open,” said a DOT spokesperson in New York. “We urge residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary and to prepare for significant delays.”
Emergency management officials in North Carolina reported motorists trapped on interstates overnight as snow and ice accumulation made roads impassable. Several counties activated warming centers for residents without heat or electricity, and school districts across the storm’s path canceled classes through Monday.
In Washington, D.C., weather observers noted that temperatures plunged into the single digits overnight, heightening concerns over frostbite and hypothermia for those without adequate shelter. Local shelters reported a surge in visitors seeking refuge from the cold.
The storm’s reach has extended deep into the South, with cities such as Oklahoma City, Memphis and Birmingham recording significant snow and ice accumulation — rare for these regions and a reminder of the storm’s intensity and broad scale.
The NWS has kept Winter Storm Warnings and Ice Storm Warnings in effect through Monday morning for much of the eastern two‑thirds of the country. Officials continue to stress the importance of preparedness, including stocking emergency supplies and exercising caution when traveling.
Federal emergency agencies have been coordinating with state and local partners to support response efforts, including clearing major highways and restoring power.
As the storm progresses through Monday, meteorologists say areas in the Northeast could see continued snow, while the central U.S. braces for sleet and freezing rain. Residents are being urged to stay tuned to local forecasts and heed all safety advisories.
