Record Snowfall Blankets Northeast as Major Winter Storm Grips Region

Northeast Undergoes Historic Snowfall Event

The Northeastern United States experienced a significant winter weather event on Sunday, January 25, 2026, as a powerful storm, unofficially dubbed Winter Storm Fern, brought record-breaking snowfall to the region. The storm's impact was felt across a vast area, extending from the Southern Plains to the Mid-Atlantic and New England, prompting states of emergency in at least 20 states and Washington D.C.

New York City Sets New Daily Record

In New York City, Central Park officially recorded 11.4 inches of snow, establishing a new daily record for January 25th. This total surpassed the previous record of 10 inches, which had stood since 1905. Other areas within the city also saw substantial accumulation, with Washington Heights in Manhattan reporting 14.9 inches. The storm led to the closure of public libraries and the suspension of Citi Bike services in New York City.

Widespread Accumulations and Regional Impacts

Beyond New York City, numerous locations across the Northeast reported significant snowfall totals:

• Bridgeport, Connecticut: 14.5 inches, shattering its previous January 25th record of 4 inches from 2000.
• Monroe, New York: 18 inches.
• New City, New York: 17.6 inches.
• Cleveland Hopkins International Airport: 7.6 inches, setting a new record for January 25th.
• Akron-Canton Airport: 9.5 inches, also a record for the date.
• Mansfield, Ohio: 9.8 inches, marking its highest January 25th total since 1938.

The storm, described by meteorologists as a 'once-in-a-decade' event, caused extensive disruptions. Over 11,000 flights were canceled on Sunday, January 25th, and more than 800,000 power outages were reported nationwide, primarily in the Southern states. Schools across affected regions implemented closures or shifted to remote learning.

Fatalities and Lingering Cold

The severe weather contributed to at least 13 weather-related deaths across the United States. In New York City, five fatalities were reported on January 25th, though their specific causes remained under investigation. Following the snowfall, an intrusion of Arctic air settled over the Northeast, with temperatures not expected to rise above freezing until early February in many areas, ensuring that the snow and ice will persist.