At a Glance
- 64 million people under winter alerts across the eastern two-thirds of the U.S.
- Tornadoes ripped 8 homes and a garage in Macon County, Illinois, with no injuries.
- Over 6,000 flights delayed and 500+ canceled across the U.S. by midday Sunday.
- Why it matters: The storm is reshaping travel, power, and daily life for millions.
A relentless winter storm that has already rattled the Midwest and the East Coast is delivering blizzards, tornadoes, and widespread power outages. From Illinois to New England, thousands of flights are grounded and communities face hazardous conditions.
Storm Impact Across the Nation
The system has produced a string of tornadoes in central Illinois, destroying 8 homes and a garage in Macon County. Preliminary National Weather Service reports list four tornado observations in the county, an EF1 1.75-mile-long tornado in Allentown, and a tornado near the Christian-Macon county line that “kicked up dirt and corn stubble.” No injuries were reported.
Meanwhile, the storm has disrupted travel, with more than 6,000 flights delayed and 500+ canceled into or out of the United States by midday Sunday. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport experienced a weather-based ground delay that was expected to average 3 h 9 m, while Boston Logan warned of overnight delays due to snowfall and deicing.
Massport operator said:
> “Due to forecasted snowfall and deicing operations, Boston Logan expects delays overnight and early tomorrow morning.”
- 6,000+ flights delayed, 500+ canceled
- Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport delay average 3 h 9 m
- Boston Logan expects overnight delays
Power Outages and Road Closures
The storm has knocked out power for more than 32,000 customers in Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky, and 52,000 in Michigan and 12,000 in Wisconsin, according to the utility tracker News Of Philadelphia.
Local officials have closed roads and declared snow emergencies to protect motorists.
| State | Customers Out |
|---|---|
| Illinois, Indiana & Kentucky | 32,000 |
| Michigan | 52,000 |
| Wisconsin | 12,000 |
Officials in New York, Minnesota, and Buffalo have activated emergency measures. Gov. Kathy Hochul placed 6,700 utility workers on standby, Gov. Tim Walz authorized the National Guard for rescue operations, and Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon closed the Buffalo Skyway until further notice.
Key Takeaways
- The storm has already caused 8 homes to be destroyed and widespread power outages.
- Travel is heavily disrupted with 6,000+ flights delayed and 500+ canceled.
- Emergency services are on standby across multiple states, including New York and Minnesota.
As the storm lingers over the Northeast into Tuesday, residents should stay alert for continuing snow, ice, and power outages.
