Massive U.S. winter storm cancels thousands of flights and triggers emergency declarations
A sprawling winter storm swept from the Rockies to New England, snarling travel at major airport hubs, pushing airlines to cancel thousands of flights, and prompting emergency declarations across multiple states as snow, sleet and ice spread across nearly half the country.
A powerful winter storm continued to grind across the United States on Sunday, January 25, 2026, disrupting travel and daily life from the southern Rockies to New England. Airlines canceled huge portions of their schedules as heavy snow and ice made runways and roads unsafe and stranded travelers across the country. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/871ea9cf98ec399bce4dccf0cffa2c01?utm_source=openai))
The system spread snow, sleet and freezing rain across a broad corridor that included the South, the Midwest and the Northeast. Major airport hubs reported widespread delays and cancellations, and travelers were urged to check rebooking options online and with carriers before heading to airports. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/871ea9cf98ec399bce4dccf0cffa2c01?utm_source=openai))
Airline operations were hit hard at some of the nation’s biggest airports, as carriers tried to reposition planes and crews while also managing de-icing constraints and deteriorating weather. In many cases, airlines said they would allow passengers to rebook without change fees when seats were available. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/871ea9cf98ec399bce4dccf0cffa2c01?utm_source=openai))
The storm also raised renewed questions about consumer rights during mass cancellations. Under U.S. rules, passengers whose flights are canceled and who choose not to travel are entitled to a full refund, including fees for checked bags and other add-ons, even if the ticket was originally sold as nonrefundable. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/871ea9cf98ec399bce4dccf0cffa2c01?utm_source=openai))
Beyond aviation, winter weather warnings covered an enormous footprint, affecting tens of millions of people and elevating the risk of ice-related crashes and power outages. Officials in affected areas urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, prepare for rapid changes in road conditions, and watch for dangerous cold as the storm’s effects lingered. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/871ea9cf98ec399bce4dccf0cffa2c01?utm_source=openai))