Story perspectives

Severe Winter Storm Disrupts 180 Million Across U.S.

1/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

A significant winter storm impacted the United States over the weekend, affecting nearly 180 million people.
New Hampshire expects an additional 2–5 inches of snow on January 26.
The D.C. area endured historic sleet that caused longer-lasting disruptions.
Philadelphia posted its largest snowfall event since 2016, with 13 weather-related deaths reported nationwide.
Bitter cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills are expected to persist, triggering weather advisories across multiple states.

History

Historical Context

The Great Blizzard of 1888, occurring from March 11 to 14, paralyzed the northeastern United States, causing over 400 deaths and significant disruptions in cities like New York, where 22 inches of snow fell. This catastrophic event highlighted vulnerabilities in urban infrastructure, prompting improvements in emergency preparedness and the underground placement of transportation and communication lines to mitigate future weather-related crises.

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Story summary

A significant winter storm impacted the United States over the weekend, affecting nearly 180 million people.
New Hampshire expects an additional 2–5 inches of snow on January 26.
The D.C. area endured historic sleet that caused longer-lasting disruptions.
Philadelphia posted its largest snowfall event since 2016, with 13 weather-related deaths reported nationwide.
Bitter cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills are expected to persist, triggering weather advisories across multiple states.

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