Winter storm snarls US travel and closures as millions stay under alerts
A sprawling winter system pushed across large parts of the United States, prompting school closures, remote-learning plans, flight cancellations, and renewed warnings about ice and heavy snow. Officials urged residents to limit travel as utilities worked to restore power and transportation agencies treated roads.
A wide-reaching storm disrupts daily life
A powerful winter storm continued to batter the United States on Monday, January 26, 2026, spreading hazardous snow, ice, and bitter cold from parts of the South into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Weather alerts covered a massive swath of the country, and officials repeatedly urged people to stay off the roads as conditions deteriorated.
Communities faced slick highways, downed trees, and outages that made keeping homes warm more difficult. Local governments and emergency managers emphasized caution, warning that ice accumulation and shifting bands of heavy snow can turn commutes dangerous with little notice.
Schools and campuses shift plans
School systems across multiple states moved quickly to protect students and staff, with many districts either canceling classes outright or switching to remote instruction for the day. Large urban districts and surrounding suburbs adjusted schedules, scrapped after-school activities, and paused athletics as the storm moved through.
Universities in affected regions also altered operations, moving instruction online where possible and limiting on-campus services. Administrators said the goal was to reduce traffic while allowing essential work to continue safely.
Travel and power impacts remain a concern
The storm’s impacts extended beyond local roads. Air travel across parts of the country was hit hard, with widespread delays and cancellations as crews tried to keep runways and aircraft safe. Meanwhile, utilities worked to restore service where ice and wind damaged lines, a process that can take longer in rural areas and where access is limited.
Forecasters warned that additional rounds of snow and freezing rain could continue to create problems over the coming days, especially in corridors where precipitation flips between sleet, rain, and snow. Officials advised residents to monitor local forecasts, conserve energy, and check on neighbors who may be vulnerable to cold or outages.
- Limit unnecessary travel until roads are treated and visibility improves
- Charge devices and keep basic supplies on hand in case of outages
- Follow local alerts for school, transit, and government service updates