Winter storm drives travel chaos across the U.S. as officials warn of dangerous ice and heavy snow

A sprawling storm with widespread impacts

A major winter storm continued to sweep across large parts of the United States this weekend, bringing a mix of heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain that complicated travel plans and raised safety concerns for millions. The system has affected a broad swath of the country, with conditions varying sharply by region as the storm’s track shifted east.

In the central U.S., bursts of snow reduced visibility and made highways hazardous. Farther south and east, pockets of freezing rain and ice accretion created treacherous driving and elevated the risk of downed trees and power lines. Local emergency managers urged residents to stay off roads where possible, emphasizing that even short trips could become dangerous as temperatures hovered near or below freezing.

Travel disruptions and power concerns

Air travel was also disrupted as the storm interfered with operations at major hubs and regional airports. Carriers issued travel waivers and passengers faced cascading delays as crews and aircraft were repositioned around weather-affected routes. Officials also warned that ice and high winds in some areas could lead to scattered outages, particularly where freezing rain was most intense.

Forecasters continued to update projections as the storm pushed toward the East Coast. They cautioned that small changes in the storm’s path could shift the dividing line between snow and ice, which can drastically change local impacts. Residents in areas under winter weather alerts were encouraged to monitor official forecasts, charge devices, and prepare for the possibility of difficult travel conditions and interruptions to daily routines.

What to do next

• Check local advisories before driving; avoid nonessential travel during peak icing and snowfall.
• Prepare for potential outages with charged phones, flashlights, and basic supplies.
• Use caution with space heaters and generators; follow safety guidance to prevent fires and carbon monoxide exposure.
• Look for updated forecasts as the storm’s snow/ice boundary can shift quickly.