January 26, 2026: A severe winter storm has swept across the United States, affecting nearly 180 million people. The storm brought heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain, causing hundreds of flight cancellations and leaving several people dead.
The storm moved through the South before dumping one to two feet of snow from Washington to New York and Boston. Other areas reported significant ice accumulation. So far, snow totals include 13 inches in Indiana, 12 inches in Missouri, 11 inches in Illinois and Ohio, 8 inches in Arkansas and Kansas, 7 inches in Oklahoma, 6 inches in Texas, and 5 inches in Tennessee.
In Louisiana, two men in Caddo Parish died from hypothermia, according to the state Department of Public Health. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as freezing temperatures are expected to persist for several days. Temperatures may drop low enough for frostbite to develop within 10 minutes.
National Weather Service meteorologist Brian Hurley said, “The dangers aren’t over even with the precipitation ending. Areas with heavy ice, freezing rain, sleet, and snow will stay below freezing through the work week. We worry about people having cold weather exposure with no power.”
The storm has caused widespread disruption. Nearly 10,300 flights were canceled on Sunday, the highest since the pandemic, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. Dozens of governors have urged residents to stay indoors as the dangerously cold weather continues. Mardi Gras parades in Louisiana were also canceled or postponed due to the storm.
US President Donald Trump stated that FEMA is fully prepared to respond and is coordinating with local officials to provide assistance. Millions remain without power as crews work to restore electricity in affected areas.
