Winter storm updates: Dozens dead across US in wake of massive snowfall, deep freeze

Storm deaths were reported in the Northeast, the South and the Plains.

ByEmily Shapiro, David Brennan, and Bill Hutchinson
Last Updated: January 27, 2026, 4:41 PM EST

A deadly winter storm that brought massive snowfall across the U.S. knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of people in the South and crippled travel in the Northeast.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Jan 25, 2026, 4:13 PM EST

Heavy snow taking over Northeast cities

Snowfall rates of 1 inch per hour were reported from Philadelphia to New York City on Sunday, while heavy sleet struck Washington, D.C., and much of Virginia.

Snow totals so far have hit 12 inches in New Jersey, 15 inches in Pennsylvania and 10 inches in New York and Maryland.

A view of the US Capitol as snow falls in Washington, January 25, 2026.
Amid Farahi/AFP via Getty Images

A person walks at JFK Plaza, also knows as Love Park during a winter storm in Philadelphia, Jan. 25, 2026.
Matt Rourke/AP

New York City is forecast to get 8 to 12 inches of snow, which would be the city's biggest snowfall since 2021.

The Boston area could get a whopping 20 inches of snow.

-ABC News' Daniel Manzo

Jan 25, 2026, 1:41 PM EST

Dangerous wind gusts reported in Northeast and the South

Wind gusts are reaching 32 mph at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, bringing visibility down to one-quarter of a mile.

A snow covered highway is seen in the Queens borough of New York City, January 25, 2026.
Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images

In Dallas and Jackson, Mississippi, wind gusts are up to 25 mph. These strong winds pose a major threat because they could topple the trees and power lines that are coated in ice.

-ABC News’ Daniel Manzo

Jan 25, 2026, 12:11 PM EST

Tornadoes possible in the South

Snow and ice aren’t the only dangers from the storm. A tornado watch is in effect for parts of Florida, Georgia and Alabama through Sunday evening.

Jan 25, 2026, 10:05 AM EST

NYC public schools closing Monday

New York City public schools will be closed on Monday due to the storm, with students attending remote learning instead.

People cross the street during snowfall at Times Square, as a major winter storm spread across a large swath of the United States, in New York City, January 25, 2026.
Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

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