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Massive Winter Storm to Hit 200 Million This Friday

1/21/2026

26 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A winter storm will impact the U.S. this Friday, affecting over 200 million.
The storm will bring snow, sleet, and freezing rain, with areas receiving a foot.
Major cities from Dallas to New York lie in the storm's path across nearly 2,000 miles, with temperatures dropping below -30°F.
Texas officials say the grid is prepared for demand and has improved since the 2021 crisis, and residents should prepare for outages.

History

Historical Context

The February 2021 Winter Storm Uri caused unprecedented power outages in Texas, affecting over 4.5 million customers and resulting in at least 246 fatalities. This storm marked the largest blackout event in U.S. history since 2003, costing an estimated $195 billion in damages. As another storm approaches, the ongoing vulnerabilities in infrastructure highlight the urgent need for improved emergency preparedness.

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Story summary

A winter storm will impact the U.S. this Friday, affecting over 200 million.
The storm will bring snow, sleet, and freezing rain, with areas receiving a foot.
Major cities from Dallas to New York lie in the storm's path across nearly 2,000 miles, with temperatures dropping below -30°F.
Texas officials say the grid is prepared for demand and has improved since the 2021 crisis, and residents should prepare for outages.

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