A massive winter storm battered large parts of the United States, bringing heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain that disrupted travel, power supply and daily life. Millions were placed under winter weather warnings as Arctic cold followed the system, pushing temperatures to dangerous lows. Flight cancellations surged across major airports, while power outages left homes and businesses in the dark, especially in southern states unaccustomed to severe ice. Cities from New York and Washington to Chicago and Philadelphia struggled with icy roads and emergency closures. Authorities warned that extreme cold could prolong disruptions and pose life-threatening risks.
