Massive winter storm disrupts U.S. travel and schools as millions stay under alerts

A multi-day storm keeps much of the country on edge

On Monday, January 26, 2026, a powerful winter system that began late last week continued to affect a broad swath of the United States, from the South through the Midwest and into the Northeast. The storm has brought a mix of heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain that turned roads hazardous and complicated recovery efforts even where the worst weather had already moved on.

Local officials and utilities warned that conditions could remain risky for days because ice accumulation can keep trees and power lines stressed even after precipitation ends. In many communities, cleanup crews focused first on restoring electricity, opening major roadways, and reaching vulnerable residents who may be without heat.

Schools close, flights are canceled, and remote learning expands

School districts in multiple states canceled in-person classes or shifted to online instruction as icy roads and poor visibility made commuting dangerous. Administrators emphasized that the decision to close schools was driven not only by snowfall totals, but also by the risks of slick sidewalks, downed branches, and inconsistent power and internet access in neighborhoods still dealing with outages.

Air travel also took a major hit. Airlines continued to manage widespread delays and cancellations as aircraft and runways required de-icing and crews were displaced by earlier disruptions. Travelers were urged to check airline notifications frequently and to plan for long rebooking times at hubs affected by winter operations.

Power restoration and safety guidance

In the hardest-hit areas, outages remained a central concern. Utilities prioritized critical infrastructure and dense population corridors first, while dispatching additional repair crews to rural locations where damage can take longer to assess. Emergency managers reiterated standard winter-storm safety guidance: avoid unnecessary driving, keep phones charged, use generators outdoors only, and watch for signs of hypothermia.

With temperatures staying low in many regions, officials also urged neighbors to check on older adults and people without stable housing. Warming shelters and municipal drop-in centers expanded hours in some cities, and several local governments said they could keep facilities open longer if conditions persist.

What happens next

Forecasts called for lingering cold and intermittent snow in parts of the country, meaning that refreezing could remain a hazard overnight even where daytime conditions improve. Transportation departments warned that plowed and treated roads can still develop black ice, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and shaded stretches.

Officials encouraged residents to follow local alerts, conserve heat, and allow extra time for any essential travel while the storm’s impacts continue to be felt through the start of the week.