Key Takeaways
- A massive winter storm swept across the country, downing power lines and disrupting travel, and dropped nearly two feet of snow in some states.
- The storm affected over a dozen states from New Mexico to Maine, with Bonita Lake, New Mexico, receiving the most snow at 31 inches.
- Other areas with high snow totals include Western Pennsylvania, the Catskill Mountains in New York, and Massachusetts, with some areas receiving over 20 inches of snow.
- The storm caused significant disruptions to daily life, including power outages and travel delays.
- The National Weather Service provided preliminary data on the snowfall totals, which are subject to revision as more accurate measurements become available.
Introduction to the Winter Storm
The winter storm that hit the country over the weekend of January 24-26, 2026, was a massive and disruptive event that brought significant snowfall to over a dozen states. According to preliminary data from the National Weather Service, the storm dropped nearly two feet of snow in some areas, with the highest totals recorded in New Mexico, Colorado, and other parts of the western and northeastern United States. The storm’s impact was felt across the country, with downed power lines, disrupted travel, and significant disruptions to daily life.
Snowfall Totals and Affected Areas
The storm brought heavy snowfall to a wide range of areas, including New Mexico, Colorado, Western Pennsylvania, the Catskill Mountains in New York, and Massachusetts. Bonita Lake, New Mexico, received the most snow, with a total of 31 inches, according to preliminary data from the National Weather Service. Other areas with high snow totals included Crested Butte, Colorado, which received 23 inches of snow, and Western Pennsylvania, where New Bethlehem received 23 inches of snow. The Catskill Mountains in New York also saw significant snowfall, with Fairview, New York, receiving 22 inches of snow. In Massachusetts, several cities and towns north and west of Boston received over 20 inches of snow, including Sterling, which received 22.2 inches.
Regional Breakdown of Snowfall
A closer look at the regional breakdown of snowfall totals reveals the significant impact of the storm on different parts of the country. In Western Pennsylvania, several towns received over 20 inches of snow, including Sigel, which received 22 inches, and West Sunbury, which received 20.8 inches. In the Catskill Mountains, communities near the Hudson River in New York saw significant snowfall, with West Shokan and Haines Falls receiving 22 inches of snow. In Massachusetts, the storm brought over a foot and a half of snow to several cities and towns, including Middleton and Peabody, which each received 20.5 inches of snow. Milton, just south of Boston, received 20 inches of snow, while Sterling, in Worcester County, received 22.2 inches.
Impact of the Storm
The winter storm had a significant impact on daily life, with downed power lines and disrupted travel causing significant disruptions. The storm also brought significant economic impacts, with businesses and schools closed due to the weather. The National Weather Service provided critical information and updates throughout the storm, helping to keep people safe and informed. As the country begins to recover from the storm, it is clear that the impact of the winter storm will be felt for some time to come.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, the winter storm that swept across the country over the weekend of January 24-26, 2026, was a significant and disruptive event that brought heavy snowfall to over a dozen states. The storm’s impact was felt across the country, with downed power lines, disrupted travel, and significant disruptions to daily life. As the country begins to recover from the storm, it is clear that the impact of the winter storm will be felt for some time to come. The National Weather Service will continue to provide critical information and updates, helping to keep people safe and informed as the country moves forward.