Massive winter storm keeps battering the U.S., piling up snow in the Northeast and leaving outages across the South

A colossal winter storm continued to disrupt daily life Monday, January 26, 2026, with fresh snow still falling in parts of the Northeast even as the system began pulling away offshore. In several southern states, crews were still dealing with ice damage that snapped trees and power lines, prolonging outages and complicating travel.

Authorities across multiple states reported a rising death toll connected to the storm’s impacts, with fatal incidents ranging from traffic crashes and cold exposure to other weather-related emergencies. Emergency officials urged residents to stay off untreated roads, limit time outdoors, and check on vulnerable neighbors as temperatures remained dangerous in many areas.

Snow totals were significant across a wide swath from the central U.S. into New England, and the storm produced a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain that created especially treacherous conditions. In some communities, schools and universities canceled classes while public works crews focused on clearing roads and restoring access for emergency vehicles.

The storm also hammered air travel. Thousands of flights were delayed or canceled nationwide, with ripple effects expected to last beyond the worst of the weather as airlines reposition planes and crews. Travelers were advised to monitor airline alerts, consider rebooking, and expect slow recovery at major hubs.

Forecasters said some areas could see improving conditions as the storm exits, but warned that refreezing and lingering ice can keep roads hazardous. Utility crews in hard-hit regions continued repairs, and local officials reiterated that even short trips can become risky when visibility drops and surfaces glaze over.