Historic US Winter Storm Grounds Flights, Knocks Out Power Nationwide
Historic US Winter Storm Grounds Flights, Knocks Out Power Nationwide
A sweeping US winter storm prompts emergency declarations, cancels thousands of flights, and leaves hundreds of thousands without power across 37 states.
A sweeping winter storm is battering the United States, with more than 200 million people across 37 states under winter alerts. The system has already left hundreds of thousands without power, with about 880,000 outages reported across the South. Travel data shows the disruption is severe: roughly 11,000 flights have been canceled nationwide as the storm barrels from coast to coast.
Authorities have mobilized to respond, with federal emergency declarations approved for ten states facing the harsh weather. Officials warn of dangerous ice, heavy snow, and widespread travel delays that could continue through the weekend. Residents are being urged to stay off the roads where possible and keep essential supplies on hand.
Travel hubs are feeling the pinch. In Oklahoma City, Will Rogers International Airport canceled all Saturday flights as part of the disruption. Other major routes have seen significant disturbances, including the cancellation of New York and Newark flights by Air India in light of safety concerns. The scale of the disruption marks one of the largest winter storm events in recent memory.
Experts say conditions are likely to shift east as systems move, threatening continued delays into Sunday and beyond. Airlines and airports are scrambling to rebook travelers and restore power where outages persist. If you're flying, check with your carrier, verify rebooking options, and monitor weather advisories.
Across the country, communities are bracing for more snow and freezing temperatures, while crews work to restore power and clear roadways. The storm's reach underscores how quickly a single weather system can upend travel plans, everyday routines, and emergency responses.
