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A powerful winter storm sweeping across the United States has triggered massive travel disruption, forcing airlines to cancel thousands of flights while millions brace for freezing temperatures, ice, and power outages. The storm, described as “historic” by US authorities, has prompted emergency declarations across large parts of the country as conditions continue to worsen.
More than 4,000 flights were canceled on Saturday alone as snow, sleet, and freezing rain spread from Texas to the eastern US. According to FlightAware, an additional 9,400 flights scheduled for Sunday were scrapped, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded at major airports. Leading airlines including Delta, United, and JetBlue preemptively adjusted schedules, citing safety concerns and limited airport operations due to icy runways and de-icing delays.
Airports across the Midwest and Southeast reported long lines, grounded aircraft, and packed terminals as travelers struggled to rebook amid rapidly changing weather conditions.
The storm has knocked out electricity for more than 160,000 customers, particularly in southern states unaccustomed to prolonged freezing conditions. US President Donald Trump approved federal emergency disaster declarations for 12 states, urging residents to take precautions.
“We will continue to monitor and stay in touch with all states in the path of this storm. Stay safe, and stay warm,” Trump said.
Seventeen states and Washington, DC, have now declared weather emergencies, while the Department of Energy authorized emergency backup power deployment in Texas to prevent blackouts at hospitals and other critical facilities.
The National Weather Service has warned that heavy ice accumulation could cause “crippling to catastrophic impacts,” especially in the Southeast. Forecasters expect record-low temperatures and dangerous wind chills to move into the Great Plains by Monday, raising concerns of further travel disruptions and infrastructure damage.
