Up to date "Monster storm" approaching - millions in the USA warned
Millions of Americans could be hit by one of the most severe winter storms to hit the USA in recent years this weekend. The US capital Washington and numerous states declared a state of emergency as a precautionary measure.
23.01.2026, 16:55
23.01.2026, 19:04
SDA
The measure applies in whole or in part to New York, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Missouri, according to the governors of the respective states.
"This is a dangerous combination of a lot of snow and extremely low temperatures," said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. By declaring a state of emergency, the US states can - if necessary - mobilize aid funds and personnel much more quickly.
Accompanied by heavy snowfall and icy winds, the approaching storm will spread over a distance of around 3,000 kilometers from New Mexico in the southwest to Maine in the northeast over the weekend, the weather service warned. The media spoke of a "monster storm".
Flight cancellations
Airlines had already canceled flights as a precautionary measure, according to media reports. Airlines such as United and Delta offered their passengers the option of rebooking their journey or taking off at another time. The TV station ABC News reported that more than 1,600 flights within the USA, to the USA or from the USA that were scheduled for Saturday had been canceled. The airports in Dallas, Texas, were particularly affected. Lufthansa has also canceled numerous flights to and from North America for Saturday. According to a spokeswoman, connections to Washington, New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Charlotte are still affected on Sunday. At numerous other airports in the west, south and north of the continent, only isolated delays are to be expected on Sunday. Affected passengers will be informed about the disruptions and alternative travel options.
Power cuts and flashlights
It is also feared that there will be massive power outages in US cities and regions, for example due to falling trees or because the above-ground lines could break under the weight of black ice.
Weather warnings or special advisories are in place for around 160 million residents. The authorities called on people not to leave their homes if possible and to leave their cars at home. New York Governor Kathy Hochul warned that the expected cold could be "absolutely deadly". In parts of Minnesota and North Dakota, temperatures could drop to minus 45 degrees Celsius (minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit), according to the weather service.
In the US capital Washington in the east of the USA, the National Guard has been asked for off-road vehicles to support the emergency services. Restrictions on local transportation are expected. The operator of the metro in the capital has not ruled out the possibility of broken rails due to the ice.
The city called for people to have flashlights ready in case of power cuts. At a press conference held by public representatives, it was also recommended to charge cell phones. Residents of the city must also move their cars - if they are parked there - away from certain emergency roads. This applies from midday on Saturday until Tuesday.
Trump drops top on climate change
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump used the weather forecast to take another jab at climate experts. "Could the environmentalists please explain - WHAT HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING?", the Republican wrote on the Truth Social platform. However, climate change does not mean that there are no more cold snaps or winter storms, but that temperatures are increasing on a long-term average. According to experts, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events is also increasing as a result of climate change. These include storms and heavy rainfall.
Trump repeatedly doubts the existence of climate change. Months ago, for example, the Republican spoke of the "biggest fraud". Even in his second term in office, he is sticking to his opinion, which contradicts all scientific findings.
