Widespread alerts cover most of the nation Roughly 140 million people were placed under winter storm warnings by the National Weather Service, while another report counted about 160 million under watches or warnings, showing slight variation in estimates[1][2]. The storm’s ice band stretches from east Texas to North Carolina, with forecasts of up to a foot of snow from Oklahoma to Boston[2]. Governors in more than a dozen states issued emergency declarations or advisories as the system advanced[1][2].

Air travel crippled across the United States FlightAware recorded over 3,300 delays or cancellations on Saturday and nearly 6,000 on Sunday, totaling more than 9,000 flights canceled nationwide[1]. Earlier tracking showed hundreds of cancellations at major hubs such as Dallas and Atlanta, confirming the rapid escalation of disruptions[2]. Airlines scrambled to rebook passengers while the storm continued to hamper schedules into the weekend[1].

Power outages and infrastructure damage intensify Utilities reported about 68,000 outages nationwide, including roughly 27,600 in Texas, as ice‑laden trees and lines fell[1]. Forecasters warned that ice‑pounded damage could rival that of a hurricane, underscoring severe risk to the grid[1]. Texas power companies prepared thousands of workers to respond, aiming to limit prolonged outages despite the strain on the grid[2].

Federal and state resources mobilized for response FEMA positioned nearly 30 search‑and‑rescue teams, stocked 7 million meals, 600,000 blankets, and 300 generators, while President Donald Trump affirmed full agency readiness[1]. Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered pre‑treatment of roads and urged residents to stay home, echoing similar stay‑home advisories from other state leaders[1]. CenterPoint Energy also readied thousands of workers to address potential outages in Texas[2].