Key Takeaways
- Over 138 million people are under a winter storm warning or advisory, with 16 million under an ice storm warning
- At least two deaths have been reported, and hundreds of thousands of people are without power
- School districts across the country have canceled classes for at least Monday, January 26, due to the winter storm
- Major cities such as New York City, Boston, Baltimore, Atlanta, and Nashville have announced school closures
- Universities such as Ohio State University and Ohio Wesleyan University have also canceled in-person classes or closed their campuses
Introduction to the Winter Storm
The massive winter storm that has been sweeping across the country has caused widespread disruptions, including school closures, power outages, and travel disruptions. As of January 25, 2026, more than 138 million people from Texas to Maine remain under a winter storm warning or advisory, according to the National Weather Service. The storm has already caused at least two deaths and left hundreds of thousands of people in the dark after losing power. The situation is being closely monitored, and updates are being provided as more information becomes available.
School Closures Across the Country
The winter storm has forced school districts across the country to cancel classes for at least Monday, January 26. In New York City, the public schools will shift to remote learning, and all afterschool programs, Public Schools Athletic League activities, and adult education classes are canceled. Similarly, Boston Public Schools, Baltimore City Public Schools, and Atlanta Public Schools have announced that they will be closed on January 26. In Nashville, several school districts, including Rutherford County Schools, Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, and Metro Nashville Public Schools, have canceled classes for January 26-27.
University Closures and Remote Learning
In addition to school closures, universities have also been affected by the winter storm. Ohio State University has announced that all classes will take place virtually instead of on campus for January 26 and 27, and the campus will be open with limited services available. Ohio Wesleyan University’s campus will be closed on January 26, but faculty may still hold classes remotely. Essential campus personnel, including those in facilities, dining services, and public safety, are still required to report to campus if possible.
Regional Updates and Closures
In Cincinnati, the public schools, as well as several other area districts, including Northwest Local School District, Sycamore Community Schools, and North College Hill City Schools, will be closed on January 26 due to snow and ice from the winter storm. In Columbus, all Columbus City Schools classes and extracurricular activities are canceled for January 26, and Ohio State University students will not be attending classes in person on January 26 or 27. Other regional closures include the closure of Boston Public Schools and the cancellation of afterschool programs in New York City.
Storm Updates and Preparations
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings and advisories for a wide swath of the country, with over 16 million people under an ice storm warning, including parts of eastern Louisiana, much of Mississippi, and a tri-state region of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. The storm has caused significant disruptions, including power outages and travel disruptions, and residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid travel unless necessary. As the storm continues to move across the country, residents are urged to stay informed and follow the latest updates from local authorities and weather services.
Conclusion and Future Updates
The winter storm has caused significant disruptions across the country, with school closures, power outages, and travel disruptions affecting millions of people. As the situation continues to evolve, residents are advised to stay informed and follow the latest updates from local authorities and weather services. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. In the meantime, residents are urged to prioritize their safety and take necessary precautions to stay warm and safe during the storm.
