San Diego, January 26, 2026
A powerful winter storm has swept across the U.S., causing extensive ice, freezing rain, and snow from the South to New England. The storm has led to nearly 880,000 power outages, significantly affecting states like Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Major disruptions in air travel have also been reported, with thousands of flights canceled. Authorities have issued emergency declarations and are advising communities to stay indoors as they manage hazardous conditions.
Massive Winter Storm Impacts U.S. with Ice and Power Outages
Severe Weather Causes State of Emergency Across Multiple States
San Diego, CA
A powerful winter storm has made its way across the United States, leaving behind a path of ice, freezing rain, and snow that stretches from the South to New England. The storm has led to widespread power outages and dangerously low temperatures, creating significant challenges for affected communities. As San Diego entrepreneurs and small businesses remain resilient, the current weather conditions have emphasized the importance of preparation, not only at personal levels but also within the business environment as they continue to adapt and thrive.
Weather Conditions and Impact
The storm is characterized by its extensive impact, with heavy snow projected from the Ohio Valley through to the Northeast. Catastrophic ice accumulation poses risks from the Lower Mississippi Valley extending towards the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Warnings from the National Weather Service are in effect, highlighting the dangerous travel conditions and infrastructure challenges expected to linger for several days. As local businesses in areas experiencing the worst effects navigate these obstacles, there is a renewed recognition of the crucial role resilience and adaptability play in crisis management and recovery.
Power Outages and Air Travel Disruptions
As of Sunday morning, approximately 880,000 customers were reported to be without power across impacted states, with Tennessee bearing the brunt of the outages, totaling nearly 300,000. Other states including Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi each faced over 100,000 customers without power. The storm has also wreaked havoc on air travel, resulting in over 11,000 canceled flights and more than 12,000 delayed, making it a significant event since the onset of the pandemic. Major airports in cities like Philadelphia, Washington, and New York have been particularly disrupted, impacting travel plans across the country.
Emergency Responses and Community Preparedness
In light of the storm’s ferocity, President Donald Trump has issued emergency declarations for at least a dozen states, aiming to mobilize resources quickly. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has strategically positioned resources, staff, and search and rescue teams to facilitate efficient response efforts. Local authorities are emphasizing safety measures, with many urging residents to stay indoors and to avoid unnecessary travel. For example, Mayor Freddie O’Connell of Nashville declared a state of emergency, activating city services for improved coordination during this challenging time.
Continued Weather Warnings
While precipitation may cease, the National Weather Service warns that frigid temperatures will remain a concern across much of the Eastern United States. This ongoing cold snap is expected to exacerbate power restoration efforts and complicate road clearing initiatives, contributing to a prolonged period of impact from this winter storm. The capacity of local businesses to adapt to such conditions holds significant implications for community stability and economic recovery.
Context and Future Considerations
This storm follows a series of extreme weather patterns that have influenced North America in recent years. Previous significant events, such as the Gulf Coast blizzard and the cold wave earlier in January 2025, underscore the challenges created by winter storms and the need for effective preparedness strategies. As local entrepreneurs continue to innovate and find solutions, the experiences gained from such events might inform improved methodologies for business continuity plans, ultimately strengthening the community’s economic fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What areas are most affected by the current winter storm?
The storm has impacted regions from the South to New England, including the Ohio Valley, Lower Mississippi Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast.
How many people are without power due to the storm?
Approximately 880,000 customers are without power, with Tennessee reporting nearly 300,000 outages and other states like Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi each having over 100,000 customers affected.
What travel disruptions have occurred because of the storm?
Over 11,000 flights have been canceled and more than 12,000 delayed, making it the largest flight disruption event since the pandemic. Major airports in Philadelphia, Washington, Raleigh-Durham, New York, and New Jersey have been particularly affected.
What safety measures are authorities recommending?
Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and avoid travel due to hazardous conditions. In Nashville, a state of emergency has been declared to mobilize emergency services and city departments.
How long are the severe weather conditions expected to last?
The National Weather Service advises that even after the precipitation ends, bitterly cold temperatures will persist across much of the eastern United States, prolonging the impact of the storm.
Key Features of the Winter Storm
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Storm Impact Area | South to New England, including Ohio Valley, Lower Mississippi Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast |
| Power Outages | Approximately 880,000 customers without power, with Tennessee reporting nearly 300,000 outages |
| Flight Disruptions | Over 11,000 flights canceled and more than 12,000 delayed, affecting major airports in Philadelphia, Washington, Raleigh-Durham, New York, and New Jersey |
| Safety Measures | Authorities urging residents to stay indoors and avoid travel; state of emergency declared in Nashville |
| Duration of Severe Conditions | Bitterly cold temperatures expected to persist across much of the eastern United States, prolonging the storm’s impact |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
