Power out for hundreds of thousands, roadways snarled with ice as dangerous weather hits due to storm

January 25, 2026

TL;DR

Hundreds of thousands of power outages reported across the South due to a major winter storm.
States heavily affected include Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
The storm brings widespread heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain, threatening nearly 180 million people.
Ice accumulation is causing significant damage to trees and power lines.
Emergency declarations have been approved for numerous states, with FEMA pre-positioning resources.
Extreme cold, with windchills as low as minus 40 Fahrenheit in the Midwest, is accompanying the storm.
Travel disruptions include mass flight cancellations and dangerous road conditions.
The storm is expected to move towards the Northeast, bringing heavy snow.
Damage from ice could rival that of a hurricane.
The storm's broad spatial coverage and subsequent extreme cold make it unique.

Continue reading the original article