A massive winter storm swept across the United States over the weekend, leaving behind deep snow, frozen roads, and widespread disruption. From the deserts of New Mexico to the forests of Maine, the storm dropped a foot or more of snow in at least 19 states. Preliminary figures from the National Weather Service show that some communities recorded snowfall totals rarely seen in recent years, highlighting the sheer scale and intensity of this weather event.
Snow began piling up rapidly as the system moved eastward, surprising many regions with its strength. While winter storms are common, the reach and volume of this one stood out. Several states that do not usually see extreme snowfall were buried under heavy accumulation, while snow-prone regions experienced totals far above average.
Snowfall Totals Reveal the True Scale of Storm
According to the National Weather Service, Bonito Lake in New Mexico recorded the highest snowfall in the country during the weekend. The area received an astonishing 31 inches of snow, making it the most snow-covered location in the United States for this storm. This was notable, as New Mexico is not often associated with the nation’s highest snowfall totals in a single event.
East of the Mississippi River, the most snow fell near Napanoch in New York. Located about 80 miles northwest of New York City, the area had recorded 30 inches of snow by Monday afternoon. This placed it just behind Bonito Lake and made it the snowiest spot in the eastern half of the country during the storm.
The Weather Service clarified that the snowfall numbers are a mix of official measurements and reports from trained observers. Because of this, the figures remain subject to verification. Even so, the early data clearly shows that the storm delivered widespread and heavy snow across a large portion of the country.
Many other states reported snowfall totals well above the one-foot mark. In Pennsylvania, Jennerstown recorded 24.7 inches. Colorado’s Crested Butte followed closely with 23 inches, while Sterling in Massachusetts saw 22.2 inches. New Hampshire’s Stratham measured 21 inches, and Torrington, Connecticut, reported 20.2 inches.
Maine also experienced significant snowfall, with Kittery recording 20 inches. Vermont’s Waterbury Center reached 19 inches, while Smithfield in Rhode Island saw 18.5 inches. In West Virginia, Canaan Heights measured 18.3 inches, and Branchville in New Jersey reported 17 inches.
The Midwest and surrounding regions were not spared. Salem, Ohio, recorded 17 inches, while Laurel in Indiana saw 15.5 inches. Fredericktown, Missouri, measured 14.5 inches, and Oblong, Illinois, reported 14.2 inches. Maryland’s Accident also recorded 14.2 inches, matching Illinois’ total.
Oklahoma and Michigan saw heavy snow as well. Sayre, Oklahoma, received 14 inches, while Buchanan, Michigan, recorded 12.7 inches. Arkansas joined the list, with Witts Springs measuring exactly 12 inches of snowfall.
States Just Shy of a Foot Still Face Heavy Snow
While at least 19 states crossed the one-foot threshold, several other states and the District of Columbia came very close. These areas still experienced substantial snowfall that affected daily life and travel.
In Virginia, Cedar Grove recorded 11.8 inches of snow, falling just short of a full foot. Kentucky’s Burlington measured 10.7 inches, while Clarendon in Texas saw 10.2 inches. Delaware also experienced heavy accumulation, with Bear recording exactly 10 inches.
Kansas came close to the footmark as well. Olsburg reported 9.2 inches of snow. Washington, D.C., recorded 9 inches, which is significant for an area where heavy snow can quickly disrupt transportation and government operations.
The Weather Service also issued a correction related to snowfall data from Kansas. An earlier report mistakenly stated that Coldwater, Kansas, had received at least a foot of snow. This error occurred due to a glitch on a National Weather Service website, which incorrectly displayed a reading of 12.5 inches. The agency clarified on Monday that this figure was incorrect and officially corrected the record on January 26, 2026.
A Widespread Winter Event Across the Nation
What made this storm remarkable was not just the high snowfall totals in individual locations but the vast area it covered. Snow fell heavily across regions with very different climates and landscapes. From mountainous areas in the West to towns in the Northeast and plains in the Midwest, the storm showed a rare level of reach and consistency.
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The snowfall figures illustrate how evenly the storm spread its impact. States that often see lighter winter weather, such as Oklahoma, Arkansas, and parts of Texas, recorded amounts that rivaled those in traditionally snowy states. At the same time, northern and eastern states experienced totals that pushed well beyond typical winter storms.
The National Weather Service emphasized that all reported numbers remain preliminary. Final verified totals may change slightly as data is reviewed and confirmed. Even so, the early reports paint a clear picture of a powerful winter system that left a deep mark across the country.
Roads, neighborhoods, and open areas were blanketed under thick layers of snow. In many places, the snow depth alone made the storm memorable. Communities across multiple regions experienced similar scenes of snow-covered landscapes, highlighting how one weather system connected distant parts of the nation under the same winter conditions.
As of Monday afternoon, the storm’s snowfall totals stood as a record of one of the most extensive snow events of the season. With at least 19 states receiving a foot or more of snow and several others coming close, the weekend storm firmly established itself as a major winter weather event in the United States.
