A powerful winter storm has been advancing through the Estados Unidos since January 22, 2026, bringing a combination of heavy snow, accumulated ice and extremely low temperatures to dozens of states. The weather system, which extends over more than 3 thousand kilometers, affects regions from Sul to Nordeste, with significant impacts on travel, energy supply and public safety. Autoridades issued alerts to around 190 million people, more than half of the country’s population.
More than 20 states have declared emergencies to deal with the storm’s aftermath. Equipes response, including Guarda Nacional, were mobilized in locations such as Kentucky and Indiana. The phenomenon causes mass cancellations of flights and interruptions in land transport.
- Accumulated snow reaches up to 35 centimeters in areas of Midwest and Northeast.
- Ice of up to 2 centimeters covers roads in Sul, causing a high risk of accidents.
- Temperatures with a wind chill below -30°C persist in central and northern regions.
Regions most affected by snow
Midwest records some of the largest snow accumulations during the storm. Cidades like Columbus, in Ohio, receive between 25 and 35 centimeters, configuring one of the most intense events in recent years. Estradas become slippery, and authorities reduce speed limits to avoid collisions.
In Nordeste, Nova York and Connecticut face continuous snowfall. Acumulações reach 20-55 centimeters in areas of Connecticut, with rates of 5-7 centimeters per hour in Boston. Equipes cleaning services operate with trucks adapted to remove snow from main roads.
Ice accumulations on Sul
Sul states suffer from significant layers of ice that damage infrastructure. Na Carolina of Sul, accumulations of 1 to 2 centimeters represent the worst event since 2005, affecting trees and power lines. Ventos speeds of up to 56 km/h worsen problems in regions such as western North Carolina.
Louisiana and Texas see ice up to 1.9 centimeters, combined with sleet. Isso causes power outages that affect hundreds of thousands of homes. Serviços of delivery adjust operations to avoid risks on covered roads.
Impacts on air and land transport
More than 10,000 flights were canceled across the country due to adverse conditions. Aeroportos in Chicago, Companhias airlines warn passengers about constant changes in schedules.
Land transport is also severely restricted. New Jersey suspends train and bus services from Sunday afternoon. Em Washington D.C., federal offices close, and freeways receive hazardous travel warnings.
Power outages affect millions
Around 145 thousand homes remain without electricity, concentrated in Texas and Louisiana. Quedas begin with the formation of ice on transmission lines and increase over the weekend. Empresas of energy mobilize extra teams for gradual restoration.
Other regions, such as Arkansas and Kentucky, report additional outages. Autoridades recommend careful use of generators to avoid poisoning. FEMA positions supplies in critical areas to support prolonged recoveries.
Extreme temperatures persist
The Arctic cold dominates much of the American territory, with intense negative thermal sensations. No Upper Midwest, values reach -40°C to -60°C in some areas. Cidades as Minneapolis record dangerously low lows on Monday morning.
At Sul, temperatures are 10 to 20 degrees below the historical average. Dallas and St. Louis face sensations of -5°C to -10°C. Previsões indicate persistence of the cold until the middle of the week in New England and Great Lakes.
Emergency measures adopted
More than 20 states activate emergency declarations to speed responses. Kentucky mobilizes 800 members of Guarda Nacional, while Indiana raises the level of operations in the emergency center. Ações include distributing supplies and supporting affected residents.
Cities like Nova York City apply salt and brine to the streets preventively. Estoques of hundreds of millions of kilograms of salt ensure continuous operations. Alertas of travel remains active in dense metropolitan areas.
Projections for the next few days
Conditions gradually improve from Tuesday in central regions. However, residual snow and cold maintain risks at New England. Autoridades monitor the possibility of new isolated accumulations.
Federal teams remain positioned for extended assistance. Previsões point to a reduction in alerts in Sul, but maintenance in Nordeste. Viagens should slowly normalize as the week progresses.
Effects on essential services
Museums and institutions in Washington D.C. temporarily close their doors. Lojas of drinks on Pensilvânia suspend sales on Sunday. Serviços postal and delivery services face pauses in critical areas.
Hospitals operate in contingency mode in affected states. Autoridades reinforce guidelines for protection against hypothermia. Populações vulnerable people receive prioritized attention in activated shelters.
Coordinated response from authorities
NOAA and National Weather Service issue ongoing alerts for 37 states. Dados collected by specialized aircraft improves forecast accuracy. Coordenação involves multiple federal and local agencies.
States such as Tennessee, Geórgia, and Virgínia receive approvals for federal support. Recursos include generators and rescue teams. Esforços focus on minimizing long-term impacts on communities.