Winter Storm Warnings Bring More Than 1 Million Power Outages, Up to 24 Inches of Snow, 45 MPH Winds
Updated January 25, 2026 (2:57 PM EST): Power outage estimates have risen to more than one million.
A massive winter storm is threatening as many as 220 million Americans, as power outages already exceed one million, and there are widespread travel disruptions. Heavy ice, powerful wind gusts, and significant snowfall are impacting states nationwide. Of all those factors, meteorologists have identified the most destructive element of this historic storm.
220 Million Americans in the Path as Power Outages Surge Past 1 Million and Ice Becomes the Deadliest Threat
On January 25, 2026, The Weather Channel updated its coverage of the storm, stating that 220 million people across 34 states are being affected by heavy snow or thick ice. Remarkably, the article noted that those millions represent "almost two-thirds of the nation's estimated population."
Ice accumulation stands out as the most destructive part of the ongoing storm. Weather.com has explained how dire the effects of ice exceeding half an inch can be. “Once ice accumulations exceed one-half inch, the most high-end impacts can occur, including widespread severe tree damage and power outages that may last for days.” That article went on to state that “the most devastating storms contain ice accumulations of an inch or more.”
On January 23, 2026, the award-winning senior meteorologist for the MyRadar app and Washington Post contributor, Matthew Cappucci, predicted on X that up to 1.5 inches of ice accumulation is possible. “I’m in Oxford, Mississippi where we could see 1 to 1.5 inches of ice! That will bring SEVERE impacts! Very concerned about Tupelo and Monroe too.”
Largely due to the destructive power of the ice that is building up across the country, ABC News reported on January 25, 2026, that more than one million customers were without power. The outlet highlighted Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas as the states that have been the hardest hit.
Up to 24 Inches of Snow and 45 MPH Winds Forecasted, Creating Whiteout Conditions and Travel Nightmares
On January 25, 2026, the New York Post reported that parts of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic could see snow accumulation of "possibly closer to two feet." Furthermore, the outlet reported that 12 to 18 inches of snow would be widespread in the region.
A January 25, 2026 WV News report detailed the powerful wind conditions that are expected in West Virginia. The outlet cited Appalachian Power's prediction, which called for wind gusts of up to 45 mph that could cause a significant number of power outages in Raleigh, Mercer, and Berkeley counties.
Between thick ice, heavy snow, and powerful winds impacting much of the country, blizzard-like conditions have made travel severely dangerous for many. On January 25, 2026, The Weather Channel's website reported that "at least 24 states have declared emergencies, many roads and highways are impassable and a staggering number of flight cancellations are piling up."