NASA Satellite Images Capture Massive US Snowstorm

Potent winter blast blankets wide swath of country from Southwest to Northeast

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:39am

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A powerful winter storm brought heavy snow, bitterly cold temperatures, sleet, and ice across a vast area of the United States in late January 2026, creating treacherous travel conditions, knocking out power, and forcing widespread school closures. NASA satellite imagery captured the storm's extensive snow cover, showing accumulations reaching up to 20 inches in parts of the Midwest and Northeast.

Why it matters

The activation of NASA's disaster response system highlights the critical role satellite data plays in understanding and responding to large-scale weather events. Providing accessible data to responding agencies can improve situational awareness and aid in resource allocation as communities face continued challenges with travel and infrastructure.

The details

Preliminary data from the National Weather Service indicates snow accumulations reached up to 12 inches in parts of Oklahoma and around 20 inches in several Northeast states. Several locations experienced record daily snowfall, including 5.1 inches in St. Louis, Missouri, and 11.2 inches in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

  • The storm impacted the US from January 23 to January 26, 2026.
  • On January 26, 2026, the Suomi NPP satellite captured images of the extensive snow cover.

The players

Suomi NPP satellite

A joint mission between NASA, NOAA, and the U.S. Department of Defense used to observe the storm.

NASA's Disasters Response Coordination System

Activated to support federal partners responding to the winter storm by providing maps and data products through an open-access mapping portal.

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What’s next

As the snow and ice remain on the ground, communities may face continued challenges with travel and infrastructure. It is likely that ongoing monitoring and support will be needed in the affected regions.

The takeaway

NASA's satellite imagery and disaster response capabilities played a crucial role in documenting and supporting the response to this powerful winter storm, which caused widespread disruption across a large swath of the United States.