US Winter Storm and Polar Vortex
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Jan 24, 2026 · Last updated Jan 28, 2026
The severe winter storm in the United States caused significant disruptions, leading to power outages for hundreds of thousands and hazardous conditions, which negatively impacts utility companies and could lead to increased insurance claims. The potential funding cuts to the United States — National Center for Atmospheric Research by Donald Trump's administration could hinder future weather prediction capabilities, affecting various industries reliant on accurate forecasts.
A severe winter storm struck the central and eastern United States in late January 2026, bringing crippling freezing rain, sleet, and snow from New Mexico to New England. This event resulted in widespread power outages, particularly in the South, and created hazardous travel conditions and bitter cold. Scientists Matt Barlow and Judah Cohen explain that the storm's ferocity was partly due to a mild start to winter and the interaction of the stratospheric polar vortex with the jet stream. They also note that while Earth is warming, intense winter storms may become more severe due to factors like disruptions to the polar vortex and increased moisture from warmer oceans. The United States — National Center for Atmospheric Research, crucial for weather prediction, faces potential funding cuts from the Trump administration.
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