Severe winter storm snarls U.S. travel and power as recovery stretches into the week

Millions impacted as outages and cancellations mount

A major winter storm that swept across large portions of the country kept its grip on the U.S. on Monday, January 26, 2026, leaving hundreds of thousands of customers without electricity and complicating travel plans from the South through the Northeast. In many communities, crews worked to clear ice and snow, repair downed lines, and reopen key routes, while residents faced hazardous conditions and subfreezing temperatures.

Air travel took a sustained hit. After a weekend of disruption, thousands more flights were canceled on Monday, compounding delays and stranding travelers. The storm’s reach created ripple effects across major hubs, with cancellations and delays stacking up well beyond the most heavily affected regions as aircraft and crews were displaced and airports struggled to catch up.

Power outages remained a central challenge, concentrated in parts of the South and other areas where ice accumulation and high winds damaged infrastructure. Utilities warned that restoration could take time in pockets where access was difficult and where additional weather threats complicated repairs.

Officials continued to advise caution on roads, noting that ice can be especially dangerous when temperatures hover around freezing and when refreezing occurs overnight. Emergency management agencies in multiple states urged residents to limit travel, check on vulnerable neighbors, and prepare for localized supply interruptions while cleanup and restoration work continued.

What to watch next

• Whether power restoration accelerates as conditions improve and crews reach the hardest-hit areas
• How quickly airports and airlines can clear backlogs after days of cancellations
• Whether additional cold snaps or precipitation worsen icing and slow recovery efforts

While the storm began to shift away from some areas, its aftermath remained significant, and transportation networks were expected to take days to fully normalize. Travelers were encouraged to confirm flight status and rebooking options before heading to airports, and drivers were advised to monitor local advisories for changing road conditions.