Story perspectives

Winter Storm Wreaks Havoc: 845,000 Without Power, 11,000 Flights Canceled

1/26/2026

Center

Storm Causes Havoc

A massive winter storm has caused more than 845,000 power outages and over 11,000 flight cancellations from the South to New England.
Emergency declarations have been approved in at least a dozen states as FEMA deploys resources to respond.
In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani reports at least five fatalities linked to the cold.
Officials warn that recovery will be prolonged due to extreme cold and hazardous conditions.

Right

Waffle House Closes

Winter Storm Fern prompted Waffle House locations across the South to close, the chain's first preemptive weather closures in years.
Closures span South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Mississippi, according to staff.
Ice storm warnings are in South Carolina, with hazardous conditions anticipated across multiple states.
Forecasters warn of a potentially catastrophic event affecting areas from Texas to the Carolinas, raising safety and recovery concerns.

History

Historical Context

The Great Blizzard of 1994, which struck the Northeast in January, caused over 300,000 power outages and 5,000 flight cancellations. This storm, similar to the 1993 Storm of the Century, highlighted vulnerabilities in emergency response and infrastructure. The severe weather prompted significant improvements in protocols to manage future winter storms, impacting millions across the region.

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Storm Causes Havoc

A massive winter storm has caused more than 845,000 power outages and over 11,000 flight cancellations from the South to New England.
Emergency declarations have been approved in at least a dozen states as FEMA deploys resources to respond.
In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani reports at least five fatalities linked to the cold.
Officials warn that recovery will be prolonged due to extreme cold and hazardous conditions.

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