Winter Storm Fern snarls U.S. travel as thousands of flights are canceled and delays ripple nationwide

A major storm system keeps pressure on travel and safety

Winter Storm Fern continued to drive major travel disruption on Monday, January 26, 2026, with airline schedules breaking down across multiple regions as snow, ice, and bitter cold spread. Airports in Texas—normally a key hub for national connections—reported heavy cancellation totals, and the impact radiated outward, disrupting routes far beyond the storm zone.

In Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field saw some of the most severe local impacts, while Houston’s major airports and Austin-Bergstrom also reported significant cancellation and delay counts. Carriers and airports warned that even travelers far from the worst conditions could face missed connections and cascading delays because aircraft and crews were out of position.

The disruption is also a safety story. Road conditions deteriorated quickly in many areas, and airports urged passengers to check alerts before leaving for terminals. With extremely low temperatures and wind chills, officials have also warned about the hazards of prolonged exposure outdoors while stranded, waiting for rides, or dealing with car trouble.

What travelers can do now

• Re-check flight status frequently and confirm whether your airline has issued a weather waiver for free rebooking.
• Plan for a longer airport stay: bring chargers, medications, and a small supply of food and water.
• If driving, assume longer travel times, avoid unnecessary trips, and keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle.

Forecasters expect the storm pattern to keep causing knock-on effects, meaning travelers may continue to encounter disruptions even after conditions begin to improve in the hardest-hit areas.