| NOTE: This article is based on true winter storms in North America; however, naming and classification for these storms, plus other information such as seasonal forecasts, are hypothetical. This will be clarified as needed. |
The 2025-2026 North American winter storm season is an active weather event within the continent of North America and the surrounding Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The season began on October 13, 2025 and will end on April 30, 2026. Winter storms, however, can meet storm criteria outside of those dates and would still count toward the season total and be named appropriately. During the season, winter storms are monitored by the Weather Prediction Center, part of the National Weather Service, and by the Meteorological Service of Canada.
The Weather Prediction Center will classify a storm as a "potential winter weather event," a "winter weather event," a "winter storm" (where a name will be assigned), and a "post winter weather event," depending on the severity of the storm. Potential winter weather events are areas of low pressure being monitored for their ability to produce winter weather in the future and can actively cause a minor threat. Winter weather events require at least 4 inches (10.16 cm) of snow to fall spanning a total area of at least 20,000 mi2 (32,186 km2), and the low-pressure center responsible for the storm must measure 1005 mbar or less in pressure. Winter storms must cause at least 4 inches (10.16 cm) of snow to fall spanning a total area of 50,000 mi2 (80,467 km2) and at least 8 inches (20.32 cm) of snowfall must occur over at least 25,000 mi2 (40,224 km2). The minimum pressure for the low of a winter storm must also be below 998 mbar and also contain wind gusts of at least 45 mph (72 km/h) at any given point. For winter storms, only either the pressure requirement or the wind requirement must be met, but a winter storm is required to have a pressure below 1005 mbar (29.68 inHg). Winter weather events are designated by number as a name is not assigned. If a system was a winter weather event or a winter storm and weakens so that it no longer meets scale criteria, then it will be called a post winter weather event. Winter storms can also be downgraded to winter weather events while keeping the existing name. Generally, winter weather advisories are issued by the NWS in locations that are expected to see winter weather event level impacts, and winter storm warnings are issued in locations that are expected to see winter storm level impacts.
Additionally, the Meteorological Service of Canada tracks winter storms and issues appropriate public weather alerts throughout Canada for places expected to see winter weather conditions. The MSC will also collaborate with the NOAA, as both of the agencies will publicize their own data and communicate it to each other for more accurate forecasting of systems across North America. The MSC uses the naming list provided by the NOAA when issuing statements regarding a particular storm, though the NOAA is responsible for issuing advisories on active systems.
| Classification | Minimum pressure | Snowfall accumulation | Wind gusts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potential winter weather event | No requirement | No requirement | No requirement |
| Winter weather event | <1005 mbar (<29.68 inHg) | >4 in. over 20,000 mi2 (>10.16 cm over 32,186 km2) | No requirement |
| Winter storm (Named) (Must meet either the pressure or wind requirement) | <995 mbar (<29.38 inHg) | >8 in. over 25,000 mi2 (>20.32 cm over 40,224 km2) ● >4 in. over 50,000 mi2 (>10.16 cm over 80,467 km2) | >45 mph (>72 km/h) |
| Post winter weather event | Must have been either a winter weather event or a winter storm that fell below requirements. | ||
Seasonal forecasts[]
| Predictions of winter storm activity in the 2025-26 season | ||||
| Source | Date | P.W.W.E. | W.W.E. | W.S. |
| Average (2013-2024) | 34.8 | 28.6 | 20.8 | |
| Record high | 42 | 35 | 27 | |
| Record low | 25 | 19 | 15 | |
|
| ||||
| MTU | September 24, 2025 | 33-39 | 28-33 | 22-28 |
| NOAA | October 9, 2025 | 32-37 | 26-32 | 21-25 |
| MSC | October 13, 2025 | 34-38 | 29-33 | 22-25 |
| TWC | October 14, 2025 | 36 | 30 | 23 |
| MTU | October 27, 2025 | 33-38 | 28-32 | 22-25 |
| PSU | November 11, 2025 | 32-36 | 27-31 | 21-24 |
| NOAA | December 16, 2025 | 35-40 | 28-34 | 20-25 |
| MSC | December 21, 2025 | 35-40 | 26-30 | 17-22 |
| NOAA | January 16, 2026 | 36-41 | 28-33 | 14-21 |
| Actual activity | 21 | 16 | 5 | |
Pre-season forecasts[]
Before and during North American winter storm seasons, forecasts of storm activity are issued by multiple meteorological services, scientific agencies, and other experts. The NWS Weather Prediction Center (a branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) issues the most prominent seasonal forecast each year. Since the first winter storm naming list for North America was introduced in 2013, there have been 260 named winter storms. February has seen the most storms, with 72 in total, and 4 storms have been named in May. October is the earliest month in which a named winter storm occurred.
On September 24, 2025, the Michigan Technological University released its seasonal forecast, predicting an above to well-above average season with 33 to 39 potential winter weather events, 28 to 32 winter weather events, and 22 to 28 winter storms, with the greatest density of winter storms being in the northern Great Plains and Ohio Valley. The MTU noted that uncertainty is high and therefore the forecasted ranges are not extremely narrow and that certainty will increase as the winter storm season approaches.
On October 9, the NOAA released their forecast, calling for a moderately above average season. They predicted 33 to 39 potential winter weather events, 26 to 32 winter weather events, and 21 to 25 winter storms, with all of those ranges being largely above their respective yearly averages. The NOAA says the largest concentration of systems will likely be in the northwestern United States, through the southern tier of Canada, and in the central Mississippi and Ohio river valleys. Unlike the MTU's forecast, the NOAA does not predict a season that contends with record high storm totals. On October 13, the Meteorological Service of Canada issued their seasonal forecast, predicting different ranges of totals. The service expects 34 to 38 potential winter weather events, 29 to 33 winter weather events, and 22 to 25 winter storms. The MSC predicts that the months of January and February will have above average storm totals, with a quiet start to the season compared to average in November and December.
On October 14, The Weather Company issued their winter storm season forecast. The company predicted 36 potential winter weather events, 30 winter weather events, and 23 winter storms. The prediction is similar to the forecasts made by other sources, but notably is predicting a slightly quieter season, the least active season predicted thus far. On October 27, the MTU released their second seasonal forecast, predicting 33 to 38 potential winter weather events, 28 to 32 winter weather events, and 22 to 25 winter storms.
On November 11, the Pennsylvania State University put out its seasonal forecast, predicting less systems than other forecasters before them. The university called for 32 to 36 potential winter weather events, 27 to 31 winter weather events, and 21 to 24 winter storms. Additionally, they said that although storm totals may fall slightly closer to average, there is a higher probability of significant and dangerous events during this season.
Mid-season forecasts[]
The NOAA updated their forecast on December 16, raising their expected potential winter weather events to a range of 34 to 38 systems. They also tweaked their predictions of winter weather events and winter storms, making them ranges of 27 to 32 and 20 to 25 systems, respectively. This was a small uptrend from their first forecast due to high activity in the early season. The MSC updated their prediction on December 21, increasing their expected numbers of potential winter weather events to 35 to 40, agreeing with the NOAA's updated forecast. The number of winter weather events forecasted decreased, making the range 26 to 30, while uncertainty increased in the total number of winter storms, with the new range being 17 to 22 systems. The winter storm prediction decreased to reflect the lull in winter storms throughout the month of December, while activity of overall systems remained high.
On January 16, the NOAA issued its final forecast as the season entered peak activity, predicting 36 to 41 potential winter weather events, 28 to 33 winter weather events, and 14 to 21 winter storms. Though the season to that point had barely seen any winter storms, the agency forecasted an uptick in systems reaching winter storm criteria as the peak season activity ramped up.
Advisories[]
DISCLAIMER: This product is hypothetical.
Winter Weather Outlook NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 800 AM EDT Wed Jan 14 2026 1. Disturbance 1...southeastern Canada A weakening low pressure system is located over western Quebec, moving to the northeast. Winter weather impacts are expected to remain minimal, with scattered light to moderate snow bands persisting throughout the day. It is expected to dissipate this evening or overnight tonight without further development. * Formation chance over 48 hours...low...10 percent. * Formation chance over 5 days...low...10 percent. 2. Disturbance 2...central United States An area of moisture associated with a currently developing trough is moving across the central and midwestern U.S. and will form into a storm system in the coming days. The system is expected to track through the northeast, bringing snowfall to areas west of the Appalachians. It will eventually work its way over Canada, where winter precipitation will continue on the northern and western side of the storm, mostly along the eastern border and coastline of Quebec. Formation into a winter weather event or a winter storm remains possible. * Formation chance over 48 hours...medium...40 percent. * Formation chance over 5 days...medium...40 percent. 3. Disturbance 3...northern Canada A powerful storm system has made landfall on the Alaskan coastline and has quickly become disorganized, though the system should redevelop somewhat as it crosses the mountains. Scattered areas, particularly near the Yukon-Alaska border, received copious amounts of snow alongside strong winds, though the storm did not meet winter weather event or winter storm criteria. Possible development of this system would occur today or tomorrow as it passes through northern and central Canada. * Formation chance over 48 hours...low...30 percent. * Formation chance over 5 days...low...30 percent. 4. Disturbance 4...Pacific Ocean Another organized extratropical cyclone is expected to impact Alaska later this week or over this weekend, likely making landfall in the western part of the state. Widespread impactful snowfall is likely, which could bring significant impacts in the form of massively accumulating snowfall and strong winds. The storm is then expected to race across northern Alaska and into northern Canada, where intensity and impacts are far less certain, though the threat should be monitored closely. * Formation chance over 48 hours...low...20 percent. * Formation chance over 5 days...medium...60 percent. Winter storm formation chances by region days 6-10. * northwestern United States...low. * northern United States...medium. * northeastern United States...low. * central United States...low. * western Canada...low. * northern Canada...low. * southern Canada...medium. * southeastern Canada...medium.
Season summary[]
Early activity[]
The first officially recognized winter weather system by the WPC formed on October 12 in the northern United States, and was designated as Winter Weather Event One. The storm moved through central Canada as a strong low, before moving over the Hudson Bay and merging with a stronger low shortly after. The formation of One on October 12 marks the third earliest system, of any designation, to develop. In addition, it also gives the 2025-26 season the second earliest starting date, only behind 2014-15, which began on October 6. The second system of the season developed on October 14 over the Pacific coast of northern Canada, before being designated a potential winter weather event on October 16. No further development occurred, and the low dissipated over the Hudson Bay. Throughout the rest of October no systems formed, partly due to a decrease in Arctic air over Canada and the United States decreasing the likelihood for snow. This lull in systems placed the season at a near-average pace after an early and quick start.
Winter Weather Event One over the Hudson Bay on December 14
Activity increased in late November and into December as multiple intrusions of Arctic air into the United States fueled the formation of multiple winter storms. On November 23, a trough over the western United States caused the generation of a coastal extratropical low in the northwest Pacific Ocean as well as an additional low in the southwestern United States. The two systems would meet in the northern U.S., where Winter Storm Alston formed. The formation of Alston as the seventh storm of the season tied the record for the greatest number of systems to form before the first winter storm. Alston brought major impacts to the Midwestern United States and the Great Lakes region, and became the first system to result in the issuance of blizzard warnings in the United States. The storm eventually weakened over Ontario and Quebec, where it brought moderate impacts to the region. As Alston died out, Winter Storm Bellamy formed in the central United States, where significant snowfall occurred in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions, with snow totals over 12 inches (30 cm) experienced around and west of Chicago. Southern and eastern Ontario saw their second notable snowfall event of the season.
Winter Storm Chan over the north Atlantic on December 5
Fourteen at its peak intensity over the Arctic Ocean on December 20
Peak-season activity[]
One final winter storm developed in late December into early January before a longer period of inactivity. Named Ezra by the WPC, the storm underwent explosive cyclogenesis over the Great Lakes and Eastern Canada. It brought feet of snowfall and blizzard conditions to the Midwest beginning on December 27 before it passed into Canada. Ezra reached a peak intensity of 966 mbar (28.53 inHg) with wind gusts reaching 75 mph (115 km/h) especially along the system's cold front. It curved northwest upon reaching Quebec before moving over the Hudson Bay. It sat over the bay for a period of time before dissipating on January 2.
A quiet period began following Ezra, with scattered weak storm systems across the continent, though none were designated as potential winter weather events. On January 12, the pattern became more active, with strong blasts of Arctic air projecting southward into the United States. One storm system formed as a result in the Northeastern United States, becoming Winter Weather Event Seventeen. It tracked through the Northeast and Atlantic Canada, becoming a bomb cyclone over Newfoundland, peaking at 952 mbar (28.11 inHg). The storm brought heavy snow over a large corridor from interior New England into Quebec and eventually New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland, before it tracked over the North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean. Potential Winter Weather Event Eighteen formed soon after, moving through the Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada before dissipating near Greenland. Winter weather events Nineteen and Twenty followed, with Nineteen causing significant impacts to much of Alaska as a strong cyclone and Twenty becoming yet another Nor'easter to pass through Atlantic Canada. On January 18, Winter Weather Event Twenty-One developed along the East Coast of the United States, which quickly strengthened into a powerful storm on its approach to Atlantic Canada, where it made landfall in Newfoundland. Twenty-One was the fifth system to make a direct landfall in Newfoundland, though both Fourteen and Chan caused impacts as they avoided the island by narrow margins.
Systems[]
Track map key: ▲= Potential/post weather event | ■ = Winter weather event | ● = Winter storm
Winter Weather Event One[]
| Winter weather event (NOAA) | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Duration | October 12 – 15 |
| Peak intensity | 55 mph (90 km/h) 992 mbar (hPa) |
See also: Extratropical Storm Emilia
On October 8, a trough moved east over the Pacific Ocean to the west coast of the United States. A broad region of low pressure developed across the Cascades and northern Rockies, and the Weather Prediction Center outlined an area of potential development of a winter weather system. A frontal system originated along the Pacific coast and tracked eastward through southern Canada, and an additional low on the front began to form over northern Nevada, where it would strengthen after it moved off of the Rockies and into the northern Great Plains. Heavy snowfall occurred in higher elevations of western and central Montana on October 12, and the low would strengthen to 989 mbar (29.21 inHg) as it crossed into Manitoba. That evening, the WPC designated the storm as Potential Winter Weather Event One. On October 13, the system was upgraded to a winter weather event and non-mountain snow was prevalent across Saskatchewan and northern Manitoba. At the time of the upgrade, One had a pressure of 992 mbar (29.29 inHg) and maximum wind gusts of 50 mph (80 km/h). Wind gusts peaked at 55 mph (90 km/h) that night. Snowfall rates increased as the storm moved northeast over Manitoba. The WPC did not upgrade One to a winter storm, as the necessary swath of 8 inches (20 cm) of snow did not materialize. On October 14, the storm moved over the Hudson Bay and began to weaken. That night and into the morning of October 15, the weakening system merged with a low to the northwest.
A multitude of trees and power lines were blown over by strong winds across northern Manitoba, and accumulating snow resulted in travel difficulties. Manitoba Provincial Road 391 was closed from Leaf Rapids to Nelson House for over 12 hours. Over 10,000 customers were left without power throughout Manitoba.[1] About 8,500 customers were left without power in Saskatchewan on October 12, and Thanksgiving Day travel in Canada was disrupted by strong winds and blowing snow.[2]
Potential Winter Weather Event Two[]
| Potential winter weather event (NOAA) | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Duration | October 16 – 17 |
| Peak intensity | 45 mph (70 km/h) 998 mbar (hPa) |
See also: Extratropical Storm Falcon
On October 14, a low originated off the coast of Alaska and quickly swept across Yukon and the Northwest Territories, producing heavy snow and wind gusts up to 50 mph (80 km/h). Accumulating snow upwards of 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm), as estimated by the Weather Prediction Center, was seen in parts of the Northwest Territories on October 15. The WPC designated the system as Potential Winter Weather Event One the afternoon of October 16 as the storm strengthened to its maximum intensity of 998 mbar (29.47 inHg) with gusts of 45 mph (70 km/h) and attained a very organized structure. Snowfall rates decreased as the system moved east toward the Hudson Bay. On October 17, the system dissipated over the central bay.
Winter Weather Event Three[]
| Winter weather event (NOAA) | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Duration | November 6 – 9 |
| Peak intensity | 45 mph (70 km/h) 990 mbar (hPa) |
On November 5, a bomb cyclone located in the northern Pacific Ocean near the coast of Canada forced a broad region of low pressure onshore. Upon crossing the Rockies, it organized and began moving east southeast along the US-Canada border. An additional pocket of low pressure associated with the same system developed over the western United States, and would contribute to the strengthening of the storm on November 6. A largely zonal jet stream contributed to the presence of moderate Arctic air over Canada, allowing for some snowfall to occur over parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan. That evening, the WPC classified the storm as a potential winter weather event as the low strengthened to 1001 mbar (29.55 inHg). The storm began to intensify at an increasing pace on November 7, strengthening to 994 mbar (29.35 inHg) by 13:00 UTC over Lake Superior. Later that night, a widespread area of accumulating snowfall allowed the system to be upgraded to a winter weather event and triggered the issuance of snowfall warnings in far eastern Ontario. Three peaked at 990 mbar (29.23 inHg) with wind gusts of 45 mph (70 km/h) before moving over western Quebec. Totals of up to 8 inches (20 cm) of snow were seen in Ontario, with the highest totals from the storm occurring east of Lake Superior, where snowfall rates were increased due to lake enhancement. The system weakened slowly upon moving east along the St. Lawrence River. On November 9, Three dissipated after it entered the Atlantic Ocean.
22 minor traffic collisions were reported by police in Saskatoon, which received its first snowfall of the season. In addition, the city deployed crews to salt roads.[3]
Winter Weather Event Four[]
| Winter weather event (NOAA) | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Duration | November 9 – 12 |
| Peak intensity | 70 mph (115 km/h) 977 mbar (hPa) |
On November 5, a powerful extratropical cyclone developed over the northern Pacific Ocean. It started off moving east, before stalling and eventually turning northward in the direction of Alaska. The Weather Prediction Center noted a high probability of the storm making landfall with the ability to produce winter weather. Over the next couple of days, the system tracked in a straight path and would open up a second center of circulation. The original center of circulation fizzled out, and the storm quickly intensified on its approach to the Alaskan coastline. On November 9, the low was designated as Potential Winter Weather Event Four. Snowfall, winter storm, and wind warnings were issued by the Meteorological Service of Canada and winter storm warnings were issued by the National Weather Service in Alaska. The storm grew in size, measuring a diameter of approximately 900 miles (1,450 km), and reached a minimum central pressure of 977 mbar (28.85 inHg). Later that day, heavy snowfall began to occur in northern British Columbia and southern Yukon, as well as in higher elevations of the northeastern portion of the Alaskan panhandle. The WPC upgraded Four to a winter weather event at 19:00 UTC, and the storm reached wind gusts of 70 mph (110 km/h), which was the strongest storm of the season up to this point. The storm tracked into the Northwest Territories before slowing down while continuing to produce some significant snowfall.
Power was knocked out across much of southeastern Alaska, including the entirety of Haines, where heavy and wet snow that accumulated to over 8 inches (20 cm) was reported. In addition, multiple trees were knocked down by strong winds that accompanied dense and persistent snowfall. On November 9, the mayor of Haines remarked on the first snowfall coming later than a typical year.[4]
Potential Winter Weather Event Five[]
| Potential winter weather event (NOAA) | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Duration | November 9 – 10 |
| Peak intensity | 40 mph (65 km/h) 1006 mbar (hPa) |
An offshore low near the Pacific coast of the United States generated an area of low pressure that crossed over the Rockies and into the central Plains. Winter weather was already occurring due to a system located to the north, and precipitation was amplified by the new low. On November 8, the system moved into the Ohio Valley, causing a swath of accumulating snow from Iowa into parts of Wisconsin and Michigan. Lake-effect snow was amplified by northerly winds, which increased accumulations for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and in the Chicago metro area. The Weather Prediction Center designated the system as a potential winter weather event late in the day on November 9, and the MSC issued snowfall warnings and a snow squall watch for southeastern Ontario and western Quebec. In addition, winter storm warnings and lake effect snow warnings were issued by the NWS. The system reached a peak intensity of 1006 mbar (29.71 inHg) with wind gusts reaching 40 mph (65 km/h) on November 10 as it moved through the northeastern United States and into Atlantic Canada.
Ottawa recorded 5 inches (12 cm) of snow, which set a snowfall record for November 9. One flight was cancelled and another was delayed at the Ottawa International Airport.[5] Toronto saw their earliest 2 inch (5 cm) snowfall accumulation since 1969.[6] A major traffic accident occurred in Montreal, with multiple injuries reported due to a 20-vehicle pileup on the Papineau-Leblanc Bridge.[7] In Hamilton, the earliest significant snowfall event since 1962 occurred, totalling upwards of 6 inches (15 cm). First responders reported multiple traffic incidents, with almost 350 total collisions reported in the Toronto metropolitan area from Five.[8] The championship match of the Canadian Premier League took place in near-blizzard conditions, which forced the match to take much longer than expected.[9]
Potential Winter Weather Event Six[]
| Potential winter weather event (NOAA) | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Duration | November 13 – 15 |
| Peak intensity | 50 mph (80 km/h) 989 mbar (hPa) |
On November 10, a trough located over Alaska dipped into the lower latitudes of the North Pacific Ocean, with intense forcing of Arctic air southward propelled by strong upper level winds. A surface low developed near the west coast of the United States in the middle of the week and moved inland on November 12 before weakening. The next day, the low redeveloped over British Columbia and moved off the Rockies. Light to moderate snowfall and gusty winds were produced by the system, and the WPC designated it as Potential Winter Weather Event Six that evening for its high chance of development into a winter weather event. The Meteorological Service of Canada issued snowfall warnings for northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and the system produced wind gusts reaching 50 mph (80 km/h) with a minimum central pressure of 989 mbar (29.21 inHg). On November 14, the system quickly tracked over central Canada, producing snowfall for the Prairies before moving over the Hudson Bay, where it dissipated very early on November 15.
Winter Storm Alston[]
| Winter storm (NOAA) | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Duration | November 25 – 28 |
| Peak intensity | 60 mph (95 km/h) 991 mbar (hPa) |
Main article: Winter Storm Alston
On November 20, a deep trough developed over the eastern Pacific Ocean and a surface low formed near the Southwestern United States. The low moved inland over Baja California and entered the central Plains. In addition, a coastal low near the Northwestern U.S. brought moisture into the region. On November 23, a new low associated with the coastal system developed near the Canada-United States border. Clashing temperatures in the upper Plains of the United States fueled the formation of a strong low over Montana on November 24. The next day, it was designated as Potential Winter Weather Event Seven by the WPC, and winter weather advisories and winter storm warnings were issued by the National Weather Service for parts of the Dakotas. The low attained a minimum pressure of 1007 mbar (29.74 inHg). On November 25, it was upgraded to a winter weather event, and intense snowfall and intense wind gusts of up to 55 mph (90 km/h) impacted the Dakotas, Minnesota, and southern Canada. Snowfall accumulations reaching 15 inches (38 cm) occurred in those regions. On November 26, the WPC upgraded the system to a winter storm, the first of the season, and assigning it the name Alston. Blizzard warnings were issued for the Dakotas and Minnesota as well as parts of northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Later that day, Alston bean to rapidly deepen, and the storm reached its peak intensity of 991 mbar (29.26 inHg) with maximum wind gusts of 60 mph (95 km/h) as it moved over Lake Superior. A bending stationary front coupled with slow movement caused increased precipitation across northern Michigan. The next day, a new circulation brought Alston further north over northern Quebec, where it continued to remain an intense storm bringing heavy snow and strong winds. On November 28, the storm weakened significantly, only producing light snowfall in Quebec, with its pressure increasing to 996 mbar (29.41 inHg). The WPC downgraded Alston to a post winter weather event that morning before its dissipation that afternoon.
Bentleyville USA in Duluth, Minnesota temporarily closed due to damage caused by snow and wind, and cancelled its November 26 holiday light displays.[10] A multitude of traffic incidents, including 253 vehicle crashes, were reported across Minnesota on November 25 and 26. The Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport experienced numerous delays due to blizzard conditions.[11] A man was killed by a falling tree in Alden Township,[12] and a traffic accident involving a tractor-trailer caused another death in Milwaukee[13]. Over 18,000 customers lost power in western Michigan, and widespread blizzard conditions were experienced in the upper Midwest.[14]
Winter Storm Bellamy[]
| Winter storm (NOAA) | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Duration | November 28 – 30 |
| Peak intensity | 45 mph (70 km/h) 1004 mbar (hPa) |
Main article: Winter Storm Bellamy
On November 26, an extratropical cyclone moved inland over the northwestern United States, where an area of low pressure fueled by the system worked its way across the Rockies and over Wyoming. On November 28, the low became increasingly organized as it moved over Colorado, where it turned to the east. Snowfall began across much of the northern Plains, and the WPC designated the system as Potential Winter Weather Event Eight and winter storm warnings were issued for much of the Midwest in advance of the storm's impacts. Later that day, more intense precipitation developed, with snowfall occurring in higher totals across parts of the Midwest, especially in Iowa. As a result, the system was upgraded to a winter weather event and, early on November 29, a winter storm, where it was assigned the name Bellamy. Snowfall rates continually increased in the Chicago area and westward until about midday, where totals reached 16 inches (40 cm) near Iowa City. The system reached its peak intensity of 1004 mbar (29.65 inHg) with wind gusts reaching 45 mph (70 km/h) before it moved over Michigan and into southeastern Ontario. The next day saw Bellamy weaken to a winter weather event, however accumulating snow was seen in northern New England and parts of Ontario and Quebec while scattered lake-effect snow continued in the Great Lakes region. Bellamy eventually dissipated over southern Quebec that evening.
In Illinois, hundreds of vehicle crashes were reported, including multiple injuries to drivers and passengers, as a result of over 10 inches (25 cm) of snow in the northern part of the state. Winds gusted to over 40 mph (65 km/h), further contributing to hazardous travel conditions.[15] A plane slid off the runway at the Des Moines International Airport due to a coating of ice which affected the landing process. Significant power outages occurred across much of southern Wisconsin, and many churches in Michigan delayed or cancelled their services. The Chicago O'Hare International Airport had over 1,000 flights delayed, with 270 flights at the airport being cancelled.[16] A woman in Indiana was killed when her pickup truck crashed into a tree after sliding off the road.[17]
Winter Storm Chan[]
| Winter storm (NOAA) | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Duration | December 1 – 4 (exited basin) |
| Peak intensity | 70 mph (115 km/h) 970 mbar (hPa) |
Main article: Winter Storm Chan
On November 29, a weak low pressure system dove into the western United States, bringing with it cold air and some snowfall. Around the same time, a developing area of low pressure in the Gulf of Mexico funneled moisture and warmer temperatures northward. The Weather Prediction Center noted that clashing temperatures in the central and southeastern United States had the potential to produce a strong winter weather system, and they accordingly marked the disorganized low in the Gulf as a disturbance. It was eventually named Potential Winter Weather Event Nine on December 1 with a pressure of 1015 mbar (29.97 inHg), and winter weather advisories were issued over an area extending from Oklahoma to Ohio. Later that day, numerous winter storm warnings were issued by the National Weather Service for parts of New England. On December 2, the system quickly organized, and widespread winter weather was experienced throughout the central U.S. into the Ohio Valley. Moderate to heavy snowfall as well as some light ice accumulation was seen in those areas. Later that morning, the low situated itself off the coast of South Carolina and began its track to the northeast as it mirrored the coastline. Intense precipitation was seen throughout nearly the entirety of the eastern United States, with the heaviest and most persistent snowfall seen in Pennsylvania and New York, and Nine was upgraded to a winter weather event. That evening and overnight, the most significant snowfall associated with Nine occurred in New England, particularly to higher elevations in Vermont and New Hampshire as well as areas in Massachusetts west of Boston. In addition, the southern half of Maine saw similarly impactful accumulations. Early on December 3, Nine met winter storm criteria and was appropriately designated as Winter Storm Chan, marking the third consecutive winter storm to form in the season. It began to undergo bombogenesis as it moved northwestward and approached Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. The MSC issued winter storm and snowfall warnings for the area as Chan dropped to a pressure of 982 mbar (29.00 inHg) with wind gusts reaching 60 mph (95 km/h). As it passed by Newfoundland, it was downgraded to a winter weather event, but maintained its production of significant snow for the island, especially in higher elevations away from the immediate coastline. Chan continued to rapidly deepen, reaching peak wind gusts of 70 mph (115 km/h) and dropping to a pressure of 970 mbar (28.64 inHg), making it the strongest system of the season thus far. It rapidly shot out to the east into the open Atlantic, and was downgraded to a post winter weather event before exiting the WPC's surveillance area.
The driver of a car was killed after the vehicle went off the side of the road and into a ditch near Jefferson City, Missouri, alongside multiple other drivers becoming stranded as snow and ice impacted the area. A truck driver was rescued by emergency services in Mason County, West Virginia after the driver's tractor-trailer hung over the side of a bridge, which happened due to a loss of control over the vehicle on slippery roads. Much of southern Ohio was placed under a level 3 snow emergency, and roads across many counties were closed to non-emergency vehicles. A man was arrested in Hocking County for driving on said closed roads.[18] Widespread totals reaching and exceeding 12 inches (30 cm) of snow were seen throughout the northeast. Porter, Maine measured 11 inches (28 cm) which matched the December average of snow in the town.[19] Widespread dangerous travel conditions resulted in multiple traffic incidents, including a tractor-trailer flipping over on State Route 67 in Hoosick, New York resulting in damaged power lines. Significant delays to air travel occurred at the Albany International Airport.[20] A man was killed in an accident on Nova Scotia Highway 105. Northeastern Nova Scotia also saw twelve additional collisions, mostly on Cape Breton Island.[21] Several accidents were reported across Newfoundland in the midst of winter storm and near-blizzard conditions. Strong winds and heavy snowfall affected the island, and many schools closed due to those dangerous impacts. Scattered power outages also occurred on December 3.[22] Extremely intense snowfall brought whiteout conditions to Cape Bonavista, where winds gusted to over 60 mph (100 km/h) at times.[23]
Potential Winter Weather Event Ten[]
| Potential winter weather event (NOAA) | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Duration | December 4 – 6 |
| Peak intensity | 35 mph (55 km/h) 1004 mbar (hPa) |
On December 3, a cold front associated with a disturbance over southeastern Canada ushered cold air into the eastern United States and also generated a broad area of low pressure that moved southward through the southern U.S. and into the Gulf of Mexico. The WPC noted the low as a disturbance, and the next day it became designated as Potential Winter Weather Event Ten, while simultaneously beginning to track northeasterly through the southeast. Ten brought snowfall to the southern Appalachians and much of the Mid-Atlantic region, however the quick movement of the system kept impacts limited. It exited the United States in the late morning on December 4 and continued to produce some snowfall and freezing rain to coastal areas. Ten strengthened slightly to 1016 mbar (30.00 inHg), but remained a weak system with a largely discreet circulation. Two days later, the system strengthened as it moved further over the Atlantic Ocean, reaching a pressure of 1004 mbar (29.65 inHg), however it no longer was capable of producing snowfall, and as a result the WPC stopped issuing advisories on the morning of December 6, where the low lost its centrality that evening and had dissipated.
A school bus carrying students crashed while heading to Osbourn Park High School in Manassas, Virginia, though no injuries were reported.[24] Virginia Tech saw accumulating snowfall reaching multiple inches, prompting maintenance crews to treat roads and clear sidewalks.[25] Baltimore only saw light snowfall, however the area experienced hazardous road conditions in the morning hours of December 5.[26]
Winter Weather Event Eleven[]
| Winter weather event (NOAA) | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Duration | December 6 – 7 |
| Peak intensity | 45 mph (70 km/h) 1001 mbar (hPa) |
Winter Weather Event Twelve[]
| Winter weather event (NOAA) | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Duration | December 9 – 13 |
| Peak intensity | 60 mph (95 km/h) 977 mbar (hPa) |
On December 7, an extratropical cyclone in the northeastern Pacific Ocean strengthened on its approach to the Canadian coastline, where it moved inland and generated a new low pressure system from its associated stationary front. Upon crossing the Rocky Mountains, it became increasingly organized and produced snowfall across parts of the Canadian Prairies, with higher elevations seeing more significant totals. The Weather Prediction Center designated the system as Potential Winter Weather Event Twelve early on December 9, where at the time it had a minimum central pressure of 992 mbar (29.29 inHg) and wind gusts of 60 mph (95 km/h). A major wind storm occurred in parts of the northern United States and far southern Canada, especially in lower elevations close to the Rocky Mountains, where wind gusts reached locally higher speeds before the WPC's designation of the system. Twelve tracked into North Dakota, where snowfall increased significantly and wintry precipitation occurred for much of the Midwest, and the storm was upgraded to a winter weather event. A corridor of winter weather advisories and winter storm warnings took effect that day. Totals neared 10 inches (25 cm) in Minnesota and Wisconsin by December 10, and the system had quickly moved over Lake Michigan. Twelve reached a pressure of 989 mbar (29.21 inHg), however wind gusts reduced to 50 mph (80 km/h) and snowfall rates decreased. Later on, the system tracked over Lake Huron along lakes Erie and Ontario, where wintry precipitation affected much of the northeast as well as eastern Canada. On December 12, the system moved over Labrador, where it intensified to 979 mbar (28.91 inHg), however it was downgraded to a post winter weather event since snowfall accumulations had decreased below winter weather event criteria. That evening, it intensified back to higher wind speeds, though the low would become overly disorganized early on December 13, and the WPC marked that Twelve had dissipated that morning.
Across Minnesota, snowfall rates exceeded 2 inches (5 cm) per hour.[27] The twin cities received snowfall totals ranging from 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) and Saint Paul declared a city-wide snow emergency. A man was hit by a snowplow which caused his death at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.[28] Southern Saskatchewan saw hazardous conditions caused by snow and sleet, including some freezing rain.[29] Schools west of Detroit closed due to snowfall and many vehicle crashes were reported across the area's highway network.[30] Bangor, Maine banned all parking on public streets overnight on December 10 and 11, and opened up municipal lots to serve parking needs temporarily.[31] In addition, high winds caused damage to fences and power lines in Montana. Multiple trees were downed and a tractor-trailer toppled over in Big Timber, though no wintry precipitation was seen in the area.[32]
Winter Weather Event Thirteen[]
| Winter weather event (NOAA) | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Duration | December 14 – 16 (exited basin) |
| Peak intensity | 90 mph (145 km/h) 942 mbar (hPa) |
Main article: Winter Weather Event Thirteen (2025-26)
Beginning on December 12, a clipper system originating from Alberta tracked across the United States. The system produced a swath of notable accumulations stretching from Montana through the Midwest and to Ohio and West Virginia. The clipper reached the Appalachians on December 13, where snowfall ceased in central Pennsylvania and western Maryland before an area of low pressure began to develop over North Carolina. The next day, an organized low formed offshore of the Mid-Atlantic region, and snowfall quickly developed across eastern Pennsylvania, most of New Jersey, and into the northeast, and a winter storm warning was issued for the Philadelphia metro. The Weather Prediction Center designated the low as Potential Winter Weather Event Thirteen, and throughout the day it began to deepen. That afternoon, it reached a minimum central pressure of 1002 mbar (29.59 inHg) and Thirteen was upgraded to a winter weather event. Snowfall totals exceeded 4 inches (10 cm) for much of the Interstate-95 corridor, including the cities of Philadelphia, Trenton, and New York City. The system began to organize further, and on December 15 it made a close approach south of Nova Scotia before making a direct landfall on Newfoundland with a pressure of 971 mbar (28.67 inHg) and wind gusts of 70 mph (115 km/h). Most of interior Newfoundland as well as much of the northern and western coastline saw snowfall accompanying the high wind gusts. As Thirteen moved over Newfoundland and back over the Atlantic, it began to undergo explosive cyclogenesis and had deepened to 950 mbar (28.05 inHg). On December 16, Thirteen exited the WPC's winter storm surveillance area with a pressure of 942 mbar (27.82 inHg), making it the most intense low by pressure of the season.
Impacts to travel and power were widespread across the northeastern United States. All three New York City airports were placed on ground stops on December 14, as well as multiple airports in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.[33] Plow and salt crews in the Pittsburgh area deployed extensive measures to keep roads as clear as possible, however snowfall totals disrupted travel in the area. In Fox Chapel, 350 to 400 tons of salt was estimated to have been used.[34] Vehicle collisions resulted in the deaths of 2 people on Long Island, including one 21-year old man.[35] Snow totals in New Jersey exceeded 8 inches (20 cm).[36] A driver in Connecticut crashed into a pole, resulting in minor injuries.[37] An abundance of churches cancelled their services on Sunday morning alongside community centers and libraries being forced to close.[38] Newfoundland experienced widespread blizzard conditions from Thirteen, resulting in over 22,000 power outages due to damaged power poles and wires. Maintenance crews had difficulty addressing the power situation since certain roadways had become impassable.[39] A ground stop went into effect at St. John's International Airport on December 15, delaying all flights.[40] Residents reported winds reaching 150 km/h (95 mph) on Fogo Island amidst a long power outage that included Change Islands communities. Crews rain into multiple issues that delayed restoration of power for the islands.[41]
Winter Weather Event Fourteen[]
| Winter weather event (NOAA) | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Duration | December 17 – 22 |
| Peak intensity | 80 mph (130 km/h) 949 mbar (hPa) |
Main article: Winter Weather Event Fourteen (2025-26)
An extratropical cyclone located over the Pacific Ocean made landfall in British Columbia on December 15, pushing moisture over the Rockies and into Alberta, which developed into a low pressure system on December 16. It organized and quickly began producing winter weather, and the Meteorological Service of Canada issued winter storm and blizzard warnings for southern portions of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. On December 17, it began to intensify further as a widely impactful wind storm developed in the Rockies and northern Plains along the system's cold front. Winds were most intense along the eastern slopes of the mountains, especially in Montana. The Weather Prediction Center designated the system as Potential Winter Weather Event Fourteen with maximum wind gusts of 75 mph (120 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 980 mbar (28.94 inHg), and blizzard conditions began to affect much of southern Canada. 1-minute sustained winds reached nearly 50 mph (80 km/h) at times across Montana. Heavy snow bands moved into Regina and Winnipeg early on December 18. Its pressure remained steady as it traversed across southern Canada and over Minnesota, with blizzard warnings in effect for parts of the Dakotas, northern Minnesota, and parts of southern Ontario. Fourteen moved across Lake Superior that evening before beginning another period of intensification over Quebec on December 19. Intense winds along the system's cold front impacted New York, Pennsylvania, and southern portions of Quebec and Ontario. Wind gusts reached 65 mph (105 km/h). As the day progressed, Fourteen began to undergo explosive cyclogenesis, dropping to 962 mbar (28.41 inHg) as it moved into Labrador. Gusts intensified to 80 mph (130 km/h), especially across Atlantic Canada and the Atlantic Ocean. Fourteen moved over the ocean on December 20, where it reached its peak intensity of 949 mbar (28.02 inHg) and began to make a northward turn toward Greenland as a powerful bomb cyclone. The storm began to weaken with its pressure increasing back to 962 mbar (28.41 inHg) as it made a close approach to Greenland, moving within 100 miles (160 km) of Nuuk. It continued on its northward trajectory mirroring the coast and bringing impacts to coastal areas of Greenland. On December 22, Fourteen dissipated while over the Baffin Bay, becoming the farthest northern system to be tracked in the season.
Significant impacts were felt due to extreme wind gusts across the northern United States. Gusts in Helena, Montana reached 80 mph (130 km/h), flipping over a small plane at the Helena Regional Airport. Trees, roofs and siding, and light posts were damaged in the area.[42] The Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport recorded a gust of 84 mph (135 km/h), and two trees planted by former U.S. presidents were downed on the University of Idaho campus.[43] A vehicle accident blocked the roadway on Interstate 15 near Butte, Montana, and traffic was forced to detour onto the frontage roads. Additional driving issues were caused by downed power lines, trees, and trucks. Over 30,000 customers were left without power in western Montana, with 20,000 customers facing extended outages.[44] In Alberta, an accident involving nearly 100 vehicles occurred south of Airdrie due to roads covered in snow and ice as well as low visibility.[45] A fatal crash involving two tractor-trailers among over 80 other vehicle collisions across Saskatchewan resulted from snow and freezing rain,[46] while power outages went long into the overnight and early morning hours of December 17 and 18.[47] The Edmonton International Airport faced numerous delays and over 18 cancellations caused by blizzard conditions that brought 25 cm (10 in) of snow.[48] Winter weather forced road closures across the greater Toronto area on December 19, including the closing of Ontario Highway 23 north of London. A vehicle rolled over near Exeter which resulted in the closing of a small section of Ontario Highway 4.[49] In Pennsylvania, wind knocked out power for over 45,000 customers from multiple power suppliers. The Harrisburg International Airport recorded a gust of 68 mph (109 km/h) after a narrow, yet intense squall line pushed through.[50] 100,000 customers across Nova Scotia lost power from intense winds as Fourteen passed to its north.[51]
Winter Storm Devin[]
| Winter storm (NOAA) | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Duration | December 26 – 28 (exited basin) |
| Peak intensity | 55 mph (90 km/h) 999 mbar (hPa) |
A low pressure system developed off the Rockies on December 25, which tracked through the central United States. Some snowfall occurred in parts of Manitoba as the system moved over northern Missouri and into Illinois. On December 26, the Weather Prediction Center designated the storm as Potential Winter Weather Event Fifteen, which quickly ramped up in intensity as a widespread area of heavy snow developed over southern Ontario, northern Michigan, and much of Lake Superior. Totals reached 8 inches (20 cm) in the Upper Peninsula, while ice accumulations neared 0.5 inches (1.3 cm). Fifteen lowered to a pressure of 1001 mbar (29.56 inHg), with wind gusts of 40 mph (65 km/h). The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings for all of New York City, as well as warnings extending across eastern New York state and neighboring northeastern areas in multiple states. Later that day, a large and extremely intense band of snow formed which spanned across New York, while ice storm conditions persisted in southern Michigan and began in western Pennsylvania. Scattered lightning occurred with the freezing rain. Heavy snowfall continued for eastern New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island into the morning of December 27, where the system met winter storm criteria and was assigned the name Devin by the WPC. Wind gusts reached 55 mph (90 km/h), peak intensity, that morning and pressure dropped to 999 mbar (29.50 inHg) as Devin moved over the Atlantic. Snowfall tapered off by midday in the United States. Throughout the evening and overnight hours, Devin moved further offshore where snow ceased. It exited the WPC's area of surveillance early on December 28, and was therefore no longer tracked by the agency.
Widespread impacts were felt in Michigan. Over 41,000 customers were left without power across the state, 27,000 of those outages taking place in Mecosta County, due to spots of dangerous ice accumulation as well as heavy snowfall.[52] New Jersey and New York declared states of emergency ahead of the storm.[53] Commercial vehicles were banned from driving on all interstates in Lehigh Valley and northern New Jersey for the evening of December 26.[54] One crash in East Buffalo Township, Pennsylvania led to a fatality.[55] New York City experienced its largest snowfall event in four years,[56] coupled with major flight delays that impacted the area. 1,500 flights were delayed across the city, and over 160 departing flights were cancelled. In Manhattan, snow accumulations were about 4 inches (10 cm).[57] Elsewhere, over 7,000 flights were affected across the entire path of Devin. The Connecticut Department of Transportation deployed over 600 snow plows and other equipment to treat roads.[58] The highest snow totals were reported in New York, according to official NWS reports, with Parish receiving 12 inches (30 cm) and Phoenicia reporting 13 inches (33 cm).
Winter Storm Ezra[]
| Winter storm (NOAA) | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Duration | December 27 – January 2 |
| Peak intensity | 70 mph (115 km/h) 966 mbar (hPa) |
Main article: Winter Storm Ezra
A powerful bomb cyclone impacted the Pacific Coast of both the United States and southwestern Canada on December 26, bringing onshore an abundant amount of moisture. This along with a trough moving over the western U.S. helped to develop a low pressure system over Colorado on December 28 which produced a significant high elevation snowfall event. This low quickly began to organize as it tracked east into the central Plains, and snowfall began for the Midwest. The WPC designated the system as a potential winter weather event, making it the sixteenth of the season. A multitude of blizzard warnings were issued across five states, with most of them in Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and winter storm warnings were placed in surrounding areas. The storm had a pressure of 998 mbar (29.47 inHg) while positioned over Missouri, with maximum wind gusts of 50 mph (80 km/h). Extremely heavy and persistent bands of snow set up over much of the Great Lakes region and Upper Midwest, where snowfall rates reached 3 to 5 inches per hour (8 to 13 cm/hr) at certain times. 24 inches (61 cm) of snow accumulated in the Upper Peninsula, the most out of the system in the United States. The WPC upgraded the system to a winter storm, giving it the name Ezra early on December 29 as it deepened to 977 mbar (28.85 inHg) and moved into Canada. The MSC issued winter storm warnings for parts Ontario and Quebec plus multiple blizzard warnings for areas in Quebec along the coast of the Hudson Bay. On December 30, it developed a new circulation further to the southeast, which continued in the same general track. Snowfall became even more widespread with Ezra over much of Newfoundland and Labrador as well as Quebec and the northeastern United States. A significant ice storm occurred in scattered sections of New England, with ice totals nearing one inch (2.5 cm) in spots. Ezra deepened to an intense 966 mbar (28.53 inHg) and maximum wind gusts took a quick increase to 70 mph (115 km/h). The storm started to stall out and stagnate in intensification over the St. Lawrence River and slowly turned to the northwest. Throughout the day on December 31, it tracked northwest back over Quebec while its precipitation field expanded while weakening. It was downgraded to a winter weather event that day and later on a post winter weather event. It retained a pressure of 972 mbar (28.70 inHg) while over the Hudson Bay. After moving over the bay, it completely stalled out, making slow and rotating movements on January 1 while its pressure remained low. It weakened slightly that evening before increasing to a pressure of 984 mbar (29.06 inHg) early on January 2. Post Winter Weather Event Ezra dissipated in the late afternoon hours over the western bay.
The state of Michigan saw significant disruptions and power outages, some of which continued from Winter Storm Devin that impacted the region days prior. Outages across the state surpassed 112,000. 12,000 of these outages were in Marquette County. A wind gust of 50 mph (80 km/h) was recorded in Frankfort.[59] Minneapolis and Saint Paul both declared snow emergencies, which limited parking on nearly all public roads in the city in order to help maintenance crews treat roads easier. The Minnesota National Guard assisted with the emergency response to the storm. The Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport saw 400 flights delayed and over 150 cancelled. Trollhaugen in Dresser, Wisconsin closed their skiing area after they lost power, and a section of Interstate 35 in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa was closed following numerous vehicle collisions.[60] A seiche was triggered on Lake Erie, caused by several hours of extreme sustained westerly winds. Water levels in Buffalo rose by about 8 feet (2.4 m), leading to some coastal flooding and the production of accumulating freezing spray. A recorded wind gust of 79 mph (127 km/h) occurred in Buffalo.[61] Trash collection was cancelled on December 29 in Muskoka, Ontario to keep roads clear for plows,[62] and several highways across the province were closed. Ontario saw thousands of power outages amidst scattered blizzard conditions.[63] Syracuse, New York saw a rare snowfall event, totaling 19.3 inches (49 cm) of snow, making it the new December 30 snowfall record.[64] Power was knocked out across Albion, and some residents sought warmth at the local public library.[65]
Winter Weather Event Seventeen[]
| Winter weather event (NOAA) | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Duration | January 11 – 14 (exited basin) |
| Peak intensity | 80 mph (130 km/h) 952 mbar (hPa) |
On January 9, a weak low pressure system formed from a comparatively intense trough over the United States, developing over the Great Lakes region and bringing with it bands of heavy snowfall and gusty winds for northern Michigan and parts of Ontario. On January 10, it positioned itself over Lake Huron, where it remained nearly stationary as it developed a powerful cold front. A winter storm warning was issued by the NWS in northern Maine, alongside yellow and orange winter storm and wind warnings for Eastern Canada, which were issued by the MSC. The system moved to the northeast over Ontario and eventually Quebec, where a new low pressure system began to form along its front. The WPC noted the new circulation as a disturbance, which began to produce intense snowfall for New Brunswick and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, with wind gusts of 50 mph (80 km/h). It later became a potential winter weather event, designated as Seventeen. Overnight, the low crossed over Nova Scotia and began to intensify more rapidly. Its cold front wrapped around the center of the system as the low deepened to 988 mbar (29.18 inHg) early on January 12. It was upgraded to a winter weather event as it moved over Newfoundland, where it started to undergo a substantial episode of explosive cyclogenesis, dropping to 961 mbar (28.38 inHg) in just over 12 hours. Wind gusts increased to 75 mph (120 km/h), most intense on the eastern side of the storm. Snowfall was prevalent across Newfoundland and areas north and west of the island, though coastal temperatures only allowed for some snow, which changed to mixed precipitation and rain. That evening, Seventeen continued to explosively intensify, reaching a pressure of 952 mbar (28.11 inHg) with wind gusts peaking at 80 mph (130 km/h), and the system moved offshore of Newfoundland. On January 13, Seventeen wrapped in much more warm air, resulting in production of largely rain. The system was appropriately downgraded to a post winter weather event while located south of Greenland, where it continued to develop a spiraling occluded front. Early on January 14, it exited the WPC's surveillance area, and advisories were no longer issued.
The most devastating impacts from the system occurred in Newfoundland, which experienced intense winds and heavy snowfall. School closures and delays were forced to occur in Newfoundland as well as across New Brunswick, and Marine Atlantic cancelled all of its ferry crossings on January 12.[66] Over 15,000 customers were left without power across the island, and severe damage occurred in Port aux Basques, located on the southwestern coastline. Multiple vehicle accidents occurred during the storm. In addition, the roof of the Bruce II Sports Centre was damaged.[67] In Conception Bay South, damage occurred to the siding and roofs of structures, trees were uprooted, and a power pole collapsed on top of an empty school bus. A tree also fell onto a house in Carbonear. The St. John's International Airport recorded a wind gust of 87 mph (140 km/h).[68] Much of northern Maine saw between 5 and 9 inches (13 to 23 cm) of snow, while far western parts of the state near the Canada-United States border received 12 inches (30 cm).
Potential Winter Weather Event Eighteen[]
| Potential winter weather event (NOAA) | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Duration | January 14 – 17 |
| Peak intensity | 65 mph (105 km/h) 980 mbar (hPa) |
An intense trough developed over the United States, with strong winds propelling cold air from the Arctic southward. On the surface, an area of moisture developed in the Midwest, which formed into a low pressure system in the Ohio Valley on January 13. The next day, the disturbance became a potential winter weather event, and the WPC designated it as Eighteen. The storm took a sharp turn to the north over the Appalachian Mountains, where intense snowfall began for areas west of the range, especially near lakes Erie and Ontario. Eighteen continued moving north on January 15, deepening to a pressure of 986 mbar (29.12 inHg) over the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Wind gusts at that time reached 60 mph (95 km/h). Snowfall continued on the west side of the storm, with a narrow path of high accumulations. That evening, the low moved offshore of Labrador, where it deepened slightly to its peak intensity of 981 mbar (28.97 inHg). The following day, the storm was situated southwest of Greenland, where it stalled out and made a slow turn to the west, which kept its precipitation field mostly at sea. On January 17, the system was absorbed into Winter Weather Event Twenty.
Winter Weather Event Nineteen[]
| Winter weather event (NOAA) | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Duration | January 15 – 17 |
| Peak intensity | 85 mph (135 km/h) 980 mbar (hPa) |
Main article: Winter Weather Event Nineteen (2025-26)
An area of low pressure developed in the North Pacific Ocean on January 12, located approximately 800 miles (1287 km) south of the Aleutian Islands and west of the International Date Line. It slowly tracked eastward, following the path of multiple previous Alaskan storms, while gradually beginning to intensify. The Weather Prediction Center outlined an area in western Alaska for possible winter storm development, backed by model guidance suggesting a strong snow-producing system. On January 14, the storm continued on its eastern trajectory, deepening to 978 mbar (28.88 inHg) while turning to the north. The next morning, the WPC designated the cyclone as Potential Winter Weather Event Nineteen, and the National Weather Service in Alaska issued winter weather alerts covering nearly the entire state besides the southern panhandle, including a multitude of winter storm and blizzard warnings for central and southern Alaska. High wind warnings were issued for much of southern Alaska, especially in areas near the coast. The storm did not deepen further, though remained an intense low as it sped north. A widespread area of extremely heavy snow developed on the northern side of the system, and Nineteen also began to produce hurricane-force wind gusts, with an estimated maximum of 70 mph (110 km/h) midday January 15. It made landfall at Sand Point as a 985 mbar (29.09 inHg) low before entering the Bristol Bay. Coastal areas saw a mix of heavy rain and snow, changing to mostly snow the next morning, while wind gusts with Nineteen increased to 85 mph (135 km/h). On January 16, the system tracked over the greater Bering Sea to the west of Alaska, where wind gusts remained at 50 mph (80 km/h) by mid-afternoon. Nineteen also caused the formation of an inland low over central Alaska, which carried a large area of snowfall eastward into northern Canada. The system eventually dissipated early on January 17.
Nineteen was widely impactful across Alaska, bringing winter storm or blizzard conditions to much of the state, plus extreme winds for the southern coastal region extending inland. The Richardson Highway was closed on January 16 through Thompson Pass, from Fort Greely to Paxson, which transportation officials said was because of blowing snow and the subsequent reduction of visibility making travel on the route impossible. Maintenance crews were deployed to assess damage and remove debris from the road.[69] The Alyeska Ski Resort in Girdwood, Alaska closed its upper slopes as 30 to 40 inches (76 to 102 cm) of snow was expected.[70] The Alaska Department of Transportation conducted an avalanche hazard reduction on the Seward Highway and Portage Glacier Highway, both of were closed for periods of time on January 16. Scattered power outages were reported in the Anchorage area. Some flooding occurred in Valdez, where crews opened drainage channels in an attempt to mitigate flood damage. Sunburst Mountain, located near the southern coastline, saw a wind gust of 99 mph (159 km/h). The Alyeska Ski Resort recorded a 93 mph (150 km/h) gust. In Anchorage, the maximum recorded wind gust was 49 mph (79 km/h).[71] Thompson Pass recorded 24 inches (61 cm) of snow, completely blanketing the Richardson Highway. 18 inches (46 cm) of snow fell at Alexander Lake, northwest of Anchorage.
Winter Weather Event Twenty[]
| Winter weather event (NOAA) | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Duration | January 16 – 18 |
| Peak intensity | 85 mph (135 km/h) 951 mbar (hPa) |
Trailing behind Potential Winter Weather Event Eighteen was a slow-moving area of low pressure positioned over the northeastern United States. The low began to rotate, developing an intense cold front to the south of the system on January 15. Warm air from the Caribbean region was forced northward, generating a rotating element on the front near Bermuda. This frontal disturbance quickly developed into its own system, reaching 988 mbar (29.18 inHg) by early morning on January 16, where the WPC designated it as Potential Winter Weather Event Twenty. Extreme winds quickly blossomed with the steadily deepening storm, reaching gusts of 85 mph (135 km/h). The Meteorological Service of Canada issued wind warnings for eastern Newfoundland, while winter storm warnings were put out for New Brunswick, eastern Quebec, and Labrador. Snowfall quickly developed and intensified for the St. Lawrence Bay and Eastern Canada, including higher elevations of western Newfoundland, while hurricane-force winds persisted as Twenty was upgraded to a winter weather event. It made landfall on the southwestern coast of Newfoundland, east of Port aux Basques, in the early afternoon with a pressure of 977 mbar (28.85 inHg). The storm continued its bombogenesis as it crossed over the island before moving over the Atlantic in the late afternoon. On January 17, the storm continued its track to the northeast, intensifying even further down to 951 mbar (28.08 inHg), with wind gusts remaining near 75 mph (120 km/h). It grew in size substantially as it positioned itself near Greenland, bringing gusty winds and intense snowfall to its southern coastline. It remained in its position for most of the day, before beginning to weaken and move slowly to the southwest. It turned back to the east before its eventual dissipation on January 18.
In northern Maine, snow totals reached 9 inches (23 cm), with similar accumulations across New Brunswick. Minimal snowfall occurred at White Hills, in western Newfoundland, causing the White Hills Resort to postpone its opening day for skiing to January 23.[72] In addition, widespread school closures occurred.[73]
Winter Weather Event Twenty-One[]
| Winter weather event (NOAA) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Duration | January 18 – 20 (exited basin) |
| Peak intensity | 70 mph (115 km/h) 979 mbar (hPa) |
On January 18, an area of low pressure developed off the coast of the Carolinas, which began to produce snow for the Appalachians and Northeast as it organized and moved north. The Weather Prediction Center designated the system as Potential Winter Weather Event Twenty-One, and it began on a northeasterly track in the direction of Atlantic Canada. The MSC issued winter storm and wind warnings for the region. The storm deepened to a pressure of 990 mbar (29.23 inHg) as its snow bands began to impact Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Heavy wintry precipitation covered both of the islands, and strong winds developed on the storm's cold front. Gusts increased to 60 mph (95 km/h) as it passed by Nova Scotia, and the system became increasingly organized before its landfall in eastern Newfoundland on January 19, with a pressure of 982 mbar (29.00 inHg). The heaviest snowfall and strongest winds impacted the island at that time. The storm passed Newfoundland and began its track over the Atlantic that evening, where it continued to strengthen to its peak intensity of 979 mbar (28.91 inHg) with gusts of 70 mph (115 km/h). Twenty-One exited the WPC's surveillance area early on January 20, and later on would impact parts of Europe, though not as a winter weather system.
Nova Scotia was hit by heavy, accumulating snow and strong winds on January 19. Over 140,000 customers lost power and public schools across the province were closed. Poor road conditions led to delays in restoration of power. Parts of Nova Scotia Highway 118 were closed due to multiple tractor-trailers involved in traffic incidents blocking the road. Numerous vehicle collisions were reported in both Cumberland and Colchester counties. Snow totals of 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in) were experienced by much of Nova Scotia, though Charlottetown received 9 inches (23 cm), the storm's maximum.[74]
Storm names[]
The following list of names, provided jointly by The Weather Company and the NOAA, will be used for naming winter storms in North America during the winter of 2025-2026.
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Season effects[]
This table of storm statistics shows the designated names or numbers, durations, classifications, highest wind gusts, areas affected, fatalities, maximum snowfall (as estimated by the WPC or by verified reports), and minimum pressures of each storm in the 2025-2026 North American winter storm season.
| Storm designation | Dates active | Max wind gusts mph (km/h) | Min. pressure (mbar) | Max snow in (cm) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Weather Event One | October 12–15 | 55 (90) | 992 mbar | 9 (23) | Central Canada, Northeastern Canada | $14.3 million | 0 |
| Potential Winter Weather Event Two | October 16–17 | 45 (70) | 998 mbar | 10 (25) | Northern Canada | Minimal | 0 |
| Winter Weather Event Three | November 6–9 | 45 (70) | 990 mbar | 8 (20) | Southern Canada, Midwestern United States | Minimal | 0 |
| Winter Weather Event Four | November 9–12 | 70 (115) | 977 mbar | 17 (43) | Western Canada, Alaska, Northern Canada | Unknown | 0 |
| Potential Winter Weather Event Five | November 9–10 | 40 (65) | 1006 mbar | 5 (12) | Central United States, Great Lakes, Eastern Canada, Northeastern United States | $8.6 million | 0 |
| Potential Winter Weather Event Six | November 13–15 | 50 (80) | 989 mbar | 6 (15) | British Columbia, Central Canada | Minimal | 0 |
| Winter Storm Alston | November 25–28 | 60 (95) | 991 mbar | 15 (38) | Northern United States, Great Lakes | $87.4 million | 2 |
| Winter Storm Bellamy | November 28–30 | 45 (70) | 1004 mbar | 16 (40) | Central United States, Midwestern United States, Great Lakes, Eastern Canada | $54.3 million | 1 |
| Winter Storm Chan | December 1–4 | 70 (115) | 970 mbar | 13 (33) | Central United States, Ohio Valley, Northeastern United States, Atlantic Canada | $90.1 million | 2 |
| Potential Winter Weather Event Ten | December 4–6 | 35 (55) | 1004 mbar | 7 (18) | Southeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic | Minimal | 0 |
| Winter Weather Event Eleven | December 6–7 | 45 (70) | 1001 mbar | 8 (20) | Midwestern United States | $12.2 million | 0 |
| Winter Weather Event Twelve | December 9–13 | 60 (95) | 977 mbar | 10 (25) | Southern Canada, Midwestern United States, Great Lakes, Northeastern United States, Southeastern Canada | $44.2 million | 1 |
| Winter Weather Event Thirteen | December 14–16 | 90 (145) | 942 mbar | 11 (27) | Northeastern United States, Atlantic Canada (especially Newfoundland) | $156 million | 6 |
| Winter Weather Event Fourteen | December 17–22 | 80 (130) | 949 mbar | 10 (25) | Southern Canada, Northwestern United States, Midwestern United States, Great Lakes, Eastern Canada, Greenland | $120 million | 3 |
| Winter Storm Devin | December 26–28 | 55 (90) | 999 mbar | 13 (33) | Great Lakes, Eastern Canada, Northeastern United States | $68.2 million | 1 |
| Winter Storm Ezra | December 27 – January 2 | 70 (115) | 966 mbar | 19 (49) | Rocky Mountains, Central United States, Great Lakes, Eastern Canada | $96.5 million | 1 |
| Winter Weather Event Seventeen | January 11–14 | 80 (130) | 952 mbar | 12 (30) | Quebec, New England, Atlantic Canada | Unknown | 0 |
| Potential Winter Weather Event Eighteen | January 14–17 | 65 (105) | 986 mbar | 7 (18) | Northeastern United States, Eastern Canada | Unknown | 0 |
| Winter Weather Event Nineteen | January 15–17 | 85 (135) | 980 mbar | 24 (61) | Alaska (particularly to the southern coastal regions) | Unknown | 0 |
| Winter Weather Event Twenty | January 16–18 | 85 (135) | 951 mbar | 9 (23) | Eastern Canada (especially Newfoundland and Labrador), Greenland | Unknown | 0 |
| Winter Weather Event Twenty-One | January 18–20 | 70 (115) | 979 mbar | 9 (23) | East Coast of the United States, Atlantic Canada | Unknown | 0 |
| Season aggregates | |||||||
| 21 systems | October 12-present | 90 (145) | 942 mbar | 24 (61) | >$751 million | 17 | |
See also[]
- Winter storm
- 2023-2024 North American winter storm season (WSWC)
- 2024-2025 North American winter storm season (WSWC)
- Fall 2025 Great Lakes cyclone season
- 2025-26 Atlantic winter hurricane season
References[]
- ↑ https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/major-winter-storm-hits-parts-of-northern-manitoba-9.6936857
- ↑ https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/heavy-storms-power-outages-9.6936895
- ↑ https://www.ctvnews.ca/saskatoon/article/saskatoon-police-respond-to-22-collisions-as-first-snowfall-hits-city/
- ↑ https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2025/11/10/wintery-weather-hits-haines-southeast-alaska/
- ↑ https://www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/article/cleanup-underway-after-record-breaking-first-snowfall-in-ottawa/
- ↑ https://toronto.citynews.ca/2025/11/10/toronto-november-2025-winter-storm-snow-weather-forecast/
- ↑ https://montreal.citynews.ca/2025/11/09/injuries-in-major-pileup-in-montreal-amid-snow/
- ↑ https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/november-9-snow-storm-9.6974027
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6793327/2025/11/09/atletico-ottawa-cpl-championship-david-rodriguez-snow-blizzard/
- ↑ https://www.northernnewsnow.com/2025/11/26/bentleyville-temporarily-closes-following-significant-damage-caused-by-snow-storm/
- ↑ https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/live-updates/minnesota-snowstorm-november-2025-updates/
- ↑ https://www.wdio.com/front-page/top-stories/man-killed-by-falling-tree-during-first-winter-storm-of-the-season/
- ↑ https://www.livenowfox.com/news/intense-lake-effect-snow-unleashes-treacherous-thanksgiving-travel-conditions-winter-storms-turn-deadly
- ↑ https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/local/thousands-without-power-west-michigan-amid-winter-storm/69-496b0d89-eb06-4d14-ae3d-3656b9c9a8d5
- ↑ https://www.nbcchicago.com/weather/stories/winter-storm-in-illinois-led-to-hundreds-of-crashes-saturday-officials-say/3857140/
- ↑ https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/winter-storm-snarls-flights-for-post-thanksgiving-travelers-in-chicago
- ↑ https://www.wrtv.com/news/local-news/greenwood-woman-dies-in-weather-related-crash-in-boone-county
- ↑ https://www.cnn.com/weather/live-news/winter-storm-bomb-cylone-climate
- ↑ https://www.newsweek.com/winter-storm-dumps-nearly-entire-months-worth-of-snow-on-one-town-11151447
- ↑ https://www.timesunion.com/weather/article/first-winter-storm-wallops-albany-hudson-valley-21218341.php
- ↑ https://www.saltwire.com/cape-breton/cape-breton-rcmp-report-13-accidents-one-fatal-during-wednesdays-storm
- ↑ https://www.cbc.ca/lite/story/9.7001182
- ↑ https://www.yahoo.com/news/videos/wind-howls-noreaster-wallops-newfoundland-184107235.html
- ↑ https://patch.com/virginia/manassas/school-bus-struck-during-winter-storm-prince-william-county
- ↑ https://news.vt.edu/articles/2025/12/photos--first-snow-of-the-season.html
- ↑ https://www.wbaltv.com/article/maryland-weather-snow-cold-december-5-2025/69613092
- ↑ https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-weather/how-much-snow-fell-in-minnesota-during-tuesday-december-10-2025-winter-storm
- ↑ https://www.newsweek.com/snow-emergency-declared-for-over-300000-people-after-winter-storm-hits-11189079
- ↑ https://www.ctvnews.ca/regina/article/snow-and-ice-pound-southern-saskatchewan/
- ↑ https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2025/12/10/snow-cold-closes-metro-detroit-schools-commute-messy/87697924007/
- ↑ https://q1065.fm/bangor-maine-parking-ban-december-2025/
- ↑ https://www.ktvq.com/news/local-news/high-winds-lead-to-widespread-damage-in-big-timber
- ↑ https://www.the-express.com/news/weather/193412/nyc-airport-chaos-over-1-000-flights-delayed-jfk-snow-paralyzes-new-york
- ↑ https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/we-werent-going-to-win-on-saturday-plow-salt-crews-weather-weekend-snowstorm/
- ↑ https://newjersey.news12.com/1-dead-in-southern-state-parkway-crash
- ↑ https://www.jerseyshoreonline.com/ocean-county/jersey-shore-blanketed-by-quick-moving-snow-storm/
- ↑ https://www.foxweather.com/extreme-weather/driver-crashes-pole-amid-icy-roads-powerful-northeast-snowstorm
- ↑ https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/ct-snow-sunday-closures-delayed-opening-21241868.php
- ↑ https://vocm.com/2025/12/16/up-to-22000-nfld-power-customers-affected-at-peak-of-last-nights-storm/
- ↑ https://news.ssbcrack.com/travel-disruptions-in-newfoundland-due-to-high-winds-and-storm-conditions/
- ↑ https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/it-s-really-scary-thousands-of-people-in-newfoundland-remain-without-power-after-wind-storm-9.7018790
- ↑ https://www.ktvh.com/news/montana-news/viewers-pictures-of-striking-wind-damage-in-the-helena-area
- ↑ https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/dec/17/wind-storm-takes-down-historic-presidential-trees-/
- ↑ https://newstalkkgvo.com/severe-winds-montana-update/
- ↑ https://discoverairdrie.com/articles/nearly-100-vehicles-involved-in-qeii-crash-south-of-airdrie-amid-winter-storm
- ↑ https://meadowlakenow.com/2025/12/18/winter-storm-turns-deadly-as-rcmp-report-fatal-semi-crash-82-collisions/
- ↑ https://www.ctvnews.ca/regina/article/southern-sask-communities-faced-with-power-outages-after-winter-storm/
- ↑ https://edmonton.citynews.ca/2025/12/18/edmonton-air-travel-delays-blizzard/
- ↑ https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/snowfall-whiteout-9.7023624
- ↑ https://www.pennlive.com/weather/2025/12/thousands-still-without-power-in-central-pa-after-windstorm-blows-through.html
- ↑ https://www.1015thehawk.com/2025/12/19/139127/
- ↑ https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2025/12/26/check-power-outage-status-report-michigan-ice-storm-consumers-dte/83666712007/
- ↑ https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/nj-declares-a-state-of-emergency-ahead-of-winter-storm/4323324/
- ↑ https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/traffic/2025/12/winter-storm-prompts-commercial-vehicle-bans-across-lehigh-valley.html
- ↑ https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/union-county/at-least-one-dead-after-crash-near-lewisburg-police-say-union-county-east-buffalo-township/523-34505642-6cbc-4d34-a28b-9d98c5eec69a
- ↑ https://abc7ny.com/post/storm-bring-widespread-snow-mix-nyc-tri-state-area-friday-night-saturday-morning/18310884/
- ↑ https://www.silive.com/news/2025/12/thousands-stranded-in-nyc-area-airports-as-winter-storm-forces-flight-cancellations-delays.html
- ↑ https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/strong-winter-storm-triggers-state-emergency-millions-northeast-brace-significant-snowfall
- ↑ https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/winter-storm-outages-surpass-112-000-where-the-power-is-out-monday/ar-AA1Td2Aa
- ↑ https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/live-updates/next-weather-major-winter-storm-dec-28-2025/
- ↑ https://weather.com/science/weather-explainers/news/2025-12-30-winter-storms-lake-erie-seiche-what-happened-explainer
- ↑ https://www.ctvnews.ca/barrie/article/brewing-winter-storm-cancels-curbside-collection-in-muskoka-area/
- ↑ https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/storm-northeastern-ontario-9.7029005
- ↑ https://www.syracuse.com/weather/2025/12/storm-breaks-syracuse-snowfall-records-its-most-snow-in-32-years-and-theres-more-to-come.html
- ↑ https://www.rochesterfirst.com/community/winter-storm-leaves-many-in-albion-seeking-warmth-at-local-library/
- ↑ https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/newfoundland-and-labrador/article/winter-storm-closes-schools-throughout-the-maritimes-before-heading-to-nl/
- ↑ https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/severe-damage-in-port-aux-basques-as-high-winds-snow-continue-to-slam-n-l-9.7042554
- ↑ https://canadianunderwriter.ca/news/storm-roundup-businesses-and-homes-across-nl-suffer-after-high-winds/
- ↑ https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2026/01/16/winter-storm-closes-portion-richardson-highway-thompson-pass-could-follow/
- ↑ https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2026/01/16/alyeska-closes-upper-mountain-it-braces-major-storm/
- ↑ https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2026/01/16/latest-avalanche-closures-icy-roads-all-over-southcentral-alaska/
- ↑ https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/weather-ski-hill-9.7048890
- ↑ https://news.ssbcrack.com/winter-storms-lead-to-widespread-school-closures-in-newfoundland/
- ↑ https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/winter-storm-nova-scotia-9.7050853