Winter Storm Brings 60-80 mph Winds, Snow Across Plains

On January 16, 2026, a winter storm struck the United States, delivering wind gusts of 60‑80 mph across the High Plains from Montana to Kansas. Those winds, expected to persist through the day and evening, pose risks of falling trees, power outages, and low visibility that could endanger large‑profile vehicles. In addition, a winter weather advisory covers North Dakota to Iowa, with gusts of 40‑50 mph and snowfall up to one inch. Snowfall predictions reach 3‑6 inches in upstate New York, western Connecticut, and western Massachusetts, while the I‑95 corridor could see snow or a rain‑snow mix from Washington, D.C., to Maine. The storm threatens travel safety and large‑scale power disruptions across the Northeast and Midwest.