News
January 2026 Winter Storm
Leah Ally
Volume 6 Issue 3
With winter at its peak, it is no secret that the January weather is bound to bring frigid temperatures and harsh weather. However, on Sunday, January 25th, 2026, Americans nationwide were hit with record-breaking winter storms. Around 30 states were hit with what is regarded as Winter Storm Fern and suffered its heavy impact. It had roughly a 2,000-mile range and 175 million Americans affected, which is being noted as not only unique but also detrimental to numerous communities.
While winter storms are often noted for their heavy impacts, it is crucial to understand their origins. Generally, winter storms form when warm, moist air is forced over a cold air mass, causing this moisture to rise and eventually form clouds and precipitation. While this sequence of events does not necessarily guarantee heavy snow, this atmospheric collision mixed with dangerously low temperatures makes for the perfect recipe for the formation of snow. Usually, these temperatures are below freezing (below 32 degrees Fahrenheit), adding to the winter chills that are felt during blizzards or lake-effect storms. Regarding the recent winter storm, according to The New York Times, New Mexico was deemed the state with the largest snowfall with a total of 31 inches. Some other notable states that suffered from the storm the most include Maine, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. Contrary to popular belief, many believe that the frigid weather is a result of global warming. This is referred to as supercharging, in which the warmer atmosphere that is being caused by greenhouse gas emissions results in more moisture being held, hence more snow and extreme weather. This does not apply only to snow but also to floods, hurricanes, and, on the other end of the spectrum, heat waves. This once again brings even greater awareness of the consequences of global warming.
Snow is not the only worry when it comes to winter weather, but also the risk of freezing rain, known as sleet. According to the National Weather Service, sleet is defined as “frozen raindrops and occurs when the layer of freezing air along the surface is thicker.” In other words, the snow melts, then freezes all before it reaches the ground. As it can be inferred, sleet poses severe risks, which becomes obvious as it is also referred to as “ice pellets.” Not only are these ice pellets prone to making travel more difficult because of creating low visibility, but also because sleet quickly accumulates, which, as a result, creates icy roads and walkways. With the recent winter storm, the majority of the country fell victim to extreme inches of sleet, especially in the southern states. This included areas such as Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas, which accumulated as much as six inches of sleet. According to ABC News, the vast amount of sleet warranted the “biggest-ever deployment of ice-melting chemicals” in Mississippi. This indicates that icy roads posed a major concern among civilians, hence the record-breaking numbers.
While the causes of sleet and snow have been covered and their effects on the different regions of the United States, it is crucial to understand how the home of Valley Stream North High School, New York State, has been affected. As stated by New York Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, “Nearly a foot of snow accumulated in parts of our city,” indicating the accuracy of the previous weather reports made regarding the snowfall the city would receive. One part of the city that proved most notable in the amount of snow it received was Central Park, with a whopping 11.5 inches. Additionally, Washington Heights reportedly received a total of 14.9 inches. In the Valley Stream area, snowfall ranged from 8 to 12 inches, where it was regarded as a state of emergency. These record-breaking numbers made for New York’s greatest snowfall in 5 years. This, of course, prompted state-wide school closures with many schools participating in remote learning on Monday, January 26th. Furthermore, many public transportation systems came to a halt, including flight cancellations from John F. Kennedy Airport and unsafe buses. Within this time, New York City was regarded as deploying more than 2,000 plows and more than 700 salt spreaders while also employing the use of snow melters. With such immense preparation, the streets of New York City were plowed in under 24 hours, ensuring the safety of its citizens. As for the following few weeks, the snow is predicted to be slow to melt, considering the frigid temperatures that the state will continue to endure as winter continues. Nonetheless, “the city that never sleeps” is back in operation.
Regardless of the obvious struggles that the country endured due to the recent winter storm, it is no secret that the snow served as quite a relief to many. Whether it was out of need for a day off from work or school, or just relief that there could be such a pause in life.
Snowfall Tracker: Which U.S. cities were hit the hardest? | Reuters
Winter storm updates: Dozens dead across US in wake of massive snowfall, deep freeze - ABC News