By Dalena Reporters l January 2, 2026
UNITED STATES — A powerful winter storm system sweeping across parts of the northern United States has left approximately 350,000 Americans without electricity, officials and local reports indicate, as blizzard-like conditions and high winds disrupted power infrastructure in multiple states.
According to data from utility trackers and weather services, the widespread outages came amidst intense snow, strong winds and blizzard conditions pushing through states including Iowa and others across the Midwest and Plains, where rural areas in particular endured prolonged power disruptions due to downed lines and severe weather impacts. The National Weather Service highlighted challenging travel conditions and persistent snow bands in affected regions.
The storm — part of a broader Arctic blast and bomb-cyclone pattern affecting the U.S. over the holiday period — generated extreme winds and heavy snow that not only disrupted the electrical grid but also hampered transportation and emergency response efforts. Utilities have been mobilising crews to restore service, but restoration timelines remain uncertain as crews battle frozen conditions and hazardous roads.
In addition to power outages, the system has triggered travel delays and cancellations across multiple states, with nearly 6,000 flights delayed and hundreds cancelled as the storm carved a path through central and eastern regions of the country over the past week. Meteorologists warned that the storm’s impacts could linger in some areas as extremely cold air and additional snow bands continue to move across the Great Lakes and Northeast.
Officials urged residents in affected areas to exercise caution, conserve heat and avoid unnecessary travel, as warming centres and emergency shelters prepare to assist vulnerable people impacted by both the power outages and hazardous weather.