A massive winter storm impacting the United States has resulted in at least 40 fatalities and significant disruptions to travel, power supply, and daily life across more than 40 states.The storm, described as one of the most severe in years, has brought heavy snow, ice, and temperatures that plummet into dangerous levels, affecting approximately 245 million Americans.
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foxweather.comaol.comThe storm's reach extended over 2,300 miles, with states from New Mexico to New England experiencing severe weather conditions.Reports indicate that many areas received over a foot of snow, with some regions reporting their heaviest snowfalls in five years, including New York City which recorded 11.4 inches of snow on January 25, 2026.
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accuweather.comPower outages were widespread, affecting over 1 million customers at the storm's peak.States such as Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi were among the hardest hit, with ice accumulating on trees and power lines, leading to numerous downed lines and hazardous conditions on the roads.
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accuweather.compbs.orgThe storm's southern side also spawned severe thunderstorms, including tornadoes in Alabama and Florida, although no fatalities were reported from those incidents.
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accuweather.comTravel was severely hampered, with more than 23,000 flights canceled from Friday through Monday as major airports across the country struggled to cope with the conditions.Airports in cities like Dallas, Chicago, and New York saw the most significant disruptions, with airlines waiving change fees to accommodate stranded passengers.
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accuweather.comcnbc.comThe cancellations and delays caused significant financial losses, with estimates of total damages ranging from $105 billion to $115 billion due to impacts on commerce, supply chains, and tourism.
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accuweather.comThe National Weather Service issued warnings and advisories as the storm moved through, predicting prolonged cold temperatures and possible refreezing conditions that could lead to further power outages and travel dangers.Meteorologists warned that the snow and ice would be slow to melt, making recovery efforts more challenging in the days to follow.
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pbs.orgIn the aftermath of the storm, many residents took the opportunity to enjoy the winter conditions, engaging in activities such as sledding and snowball fights, while others prepared for the ongoing cold snap.The Red Cross reported over 1,000 canceled blood drives during the storm, increasing the urgency for blood donations as the situation remains critical for those affected by the power outages and extreme weather conditions.
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accuweather.comWith forecasts predicting continued frigid temperatures and potential for another storm next weekend, officials are urging residents to stay safe and be prepared for extended disruptions.The storm serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by winter weather and the importance of emergency preparedness during such events.
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accuweather.comfoxweather.comAs communities begin to dig out from the snow and ice, the road to recovery will be long and arduous, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts in restoring power and ensuring public safety in the face of ongoing winter weather challenges.
