As 2025 comes to a close, a powerful winter storm is battering large portions of the United States, severely disrupting post-Christmas travel, holiday plans, and New Year’s preparations. What began as a low-pressure system has rapidly intensified, prompting the National Weather Service to issue Winter Storm and Ice Storm Warnings across 15+ states, from the Northern Plains and Great Lakes to the Northeast.
The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic have been hit hardest so far. Heavy snow and freezing rain swept through New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and surrounding areas, with up to 10 inches of snow reported and rare thundersnow causing near-whiteout conditions. Major highways like I-95 and I-80 became impassable, while states of emergency were declared in parts of New York and New Jersey.
Ice accumulation in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia triggered widespread power outages, dangerous black ice, and major airport disruptions, with more than 1,500 flight cancellations at hubs including JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark.
Meteorologists warn the danger isn’t over. A second arctic surge is expected to slam the Midwest and Great Lakes, bringing blizzard conditions, extreme cold, and wind chills as low as -30°F. The NWS urges residents to avoid non-essential travel, prepare emergency supplies, and protect against frostbite and hypothermia as the storm pushes into early 2026.
