Winter storm leaves millions without power
A powerful winter storm swept across large parts of the United States, knocking out electricity for an estimated 2.3 million homes and businesses and triggering widespread travel delays from the West Coast to the East Coast.
Utility crews in multiple states worked to restore service as strong winds, heavy snow, and ice weighed down trees and power lines. Some areas reported scattered outages that grew into larger, regional disruptions as the storm intensified.
Where outages were reported
Outages were reported across a broad swath of the country, with the highest numbers concentrated in storm-hit corridors where ice buildup and wind gusts were most intense. In several communities, downed lines and blocked roads slowed access for repair teams.
Officials urged residents to treat downed wires as energized and to follow local guidance while crews assessed damage and began restoration work.
Travel disruptions spread coast to coast
Air travel was heavily affected as the storm moved through major hubs. Airlines issued waivers in some markets, while passengers faced delayed departures, cancellations, and missed connections.
On highways, visibility dropped during bursts of snow and blowing wind. Interstate closures and chain restrictions were reported in some regions, and traffic incidents increased during peak travel times.
Rail service also saw interruptions in select areas due to track conditions and weather-related slowdowns.
What the storm brought: snow, ice, and wind
Forecasters said the system combined heavy snowfall in colder zones with freezing rain and sleet near the storm’s transition line, a mix that often leads to the most severe power outages. Gusty winds added to the damage risk by snapping limbs and pushing trees onto lines.
Weather conditions varied widely by location, with some areas seeing mostly snow while others dealt with more ice. That boundary shifted as the storm moved, creating rapidly changing conditions for drivers and crews.
Restoration efforts and local impacts
Utilities staged extra workers and equipment in anticipation of the storm, but restoration timelines depended on access to damaged areas and the pace of ongoing weather. In neighborhoods with significant tree damage, crews focused first on restoring service to critical facilities and larger groups of customers before working through smaller outages.
Some school districts announced closures or delays, and a number of local governments reported warming centers or public facilities open for residents who needed a place to charge devices or get out of the cold.
What happens next
As the storm continued eastward, communities in its path prepared for changing conditions, including the potential for flash freezing as temperatures dropped behind the system. Transportation agencies warned that roads that looked wet could quickly turn icy after sunset or as colder air moved in.
Forecasters said additional bands of snow and periods of strong wind could continue to cause new outages even as crews restored power in earlier-affected areas.
FAQs
How many homes lost power in the storm?
About 2.3 million homes and businesses were reported without electricity at the peak of the outages.
Why do ice storms cause so many outages?
Ice adds weight to branches and power lines, making them more likely to snap or fall, especially during strong winds.
What kinds of travel disruptions were reported?
Flight delays and cancellations, hazardous road conditions with closures or restrictions, and limited rail slowdowns in some areas.
When will power be fully restored?
Restoration timing varies by location and damage, with service often returning first in less-damaged areas and later where access or repairs are more complex.
