Story perspectives

Historic Winter Storm Disrupts 200 Million Across U.S.

2/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

An Arctic air mass beginning January 23 produced a historic winter storm affecting about 200 million people across two-thirds of the United States.
Nashville saw its warmest January start on record, then drastic temperature drops produced up to an inch of ice that disrupted power.
The storm stretched from the Rocky Mountains to Maine, bringing snow and ice that altered landscapes including the Hudson River and Central Park reservoir.

History

Historical Context

The Great Blizzard of 1888, from March 11-14, paralyzed the northeastern U.S., causing over 400 deaths and disrupting transportation across major cities like New York and Boston. This catastrophic storm led to significant infrastructure changes, including the development of underground rail systems. Today’s severe winter storms highlight ongoing discussions about climate change and its impact on extreme weather patterns, echoing the challenges faced in 1888.

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Story summary

An Arctic air mass beginning January 23 produced a historic winter storm affecting about 200 million people across two-thirds of the United States.
Nashville saw its warmest January start on record, then drastic temperature drops produced up to an inch of ice that disrupted power.
The storm stretched from the Rocky Mountains to Maine, bringing snow and ice that altered landscapes including the Hudson River and Central Park reservoir.

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