The US is currently bracing for the first major winter storm of 2026, a massive storm system stretching from Texas to New England. Millions of people are preparing for heavy snowfall, ice and the dreaded power outages that come with storms like these. Whether you’re up north and used to blizzard conditions, or down south and just trying to ensure you have enough food to get through the bad weather, preparation is key.
Power outages during winter storms aren’t just an irritation. They can leave you without heat for days at a time, spoil your groceries and create severe issues for anyone who relies on electricity for medical devices or refrigeration for medication.
As weather patterns continue to change and become more extreme, power outages have become more common. With the winter storm season in full swing, here’s what to expect, how utilities prepare for extreme weather and how to reduce its impact on your comfort with backup power.
What to expect for winter in 2026
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a warmer than usual winter for the East Coast down through the South and West to California. Meanwhile, it’s calling for a colder than usual winter for the northern US, such as Central Great Plains west to parts of the Pacific Northwest. This means a cold, snowy winter for the northern states, with drier weather down south thanks to the La Niña weather pattern.
With the first major snowstorm in 2026 on the horizon, it’s definitely time to prepare for everything winter can throw at you. Let’s take a closer look at what causes winter power outages and how utilities manage these challenges.
What is a power outage really?
Keeping the lights on is more than just flipping a switch. Utility companies regularly perform electrical system maintenance and implement technology to increase grid reliability. Even with those efforts, power outages still happen.
There are two main types of power outages, David Naylor, CEO of Rayburn Electric Cooperative, a Texas electric co-op explained: localized and rotating. In either situation, it’s typically a result of an issue with transmission and distribution lines. Rotating outages occur when the grid doesn’t have enough resources to meet demand. As a result, the utility temporarily shuts off power to different areas to prevent the entire grid from going down. These outages are typically short-term to balance supply and demand.
Localized outages are often weather-driven and impact a specific area. They are resolved once the utility can repair the lines and restore power. “In the case of Winter Storm Uri, it was so cold that plants froze, gas lines froze, it was just bad,” said Naylor. “Sometimes it’s a cascading event. Power lines freeze into trees or drivers slide on ice into poles, the poles go down and the power goes out.”
Regardless of type, power outages are unpredictable. One way to protect yourself and your home this winter is with backup power.
Prepare your home with backup power
While preparing your home for a power outage with flashlights, food and water is a great plan, what if you didn’t have to worry about it?
Battery storage, generators and portable power stations provide solid backup power solutions. These systems keep electricity flowing to essential needs, so you can have peace of mind all winter long. Choosing the best backup power option for your home depends on your preference, budget and how much power you need.
“It’s beneficial to have a battery first and generator second,” said Vincent Ambrose, chief commercial officer at home battery company FranklinWH. “With a battery, it immediately kicks in, you don’t have to use fuel, don’t have to listen to the noise or deal with the smell.”
Battery storage
Batteries store energy from the electricity grid or solar panels for later use. During an outage, you can choose what you keep power flowing to, such as the refrigerator or medical equipment.
Many batteries have software that will identify potential weather issues in the forecast and ensure they have a full charge heading into them, such as the Storm Watch feature on the Tesla Powerwall. FranklinWH aPower batteries offer a Storm Hedge feature that connects to the National Weather Service to alert you about potential extreme weather. Once set up, the feature automatically kicks in and charges your battery up to 100% in preparation for power outages.
“What we want our homeowners to do is not have to prepare or worry about storms. They shouldn’t have to be concerned with energy management on top of being a nurse, doctor or firefighter,” said Ambrose.
Generators
Generators convert fuel, like natural gas, into usable electricity to power your home. Standby generators connect to your home’s electrical system to kick in automatically, but portable generators require more manual setup. Both types involve regular maintenance and enough fuel to keep going.
“Generators are a mature technology. They’ve been around longer, so there’s a lot of options on the market,” said Ambrose. Early adopters might be more interested in the capabilities of a battery, but a generator might better fit those who prefer a more tried and true technology.
Portable power stations
Portable power stations are battery blocks with 120-volt outlets (among other types of plugs) ranging in size and capacity. Smaller versions, such as Goal Zero’s Yeti 700, are a solid option to keep power to charge your phone, keep the refrigerator running, and use lamps for lighting. Larger models are powerful enough to handle more demanding appliances such as air fryers or space heaters. Just because it’s portable doesn’t mean it’s light. Some power stations, like the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus, weigh more than 60 pounds.
“Power stations might be a good idea for those in apartments who can’t install a battery. You can very easily plug in critical items that you want to keep running during an outage,” said Ambrose. There are many different options, so check out our picks for the best portable power stations to find one that could power your whole home during an outage. “I’ve seen some really clever ones too that have foldable solar panels you could put over a balcony to recharge the power station during a longer outage.”
What to do during a winter outage
Most importantly, be safe. “If you see a downed line, don’t touch it,” said Naylor. He recommends calling your utility company to report the issue or a power outage. If you don’t have your utility on speed dial, you can typically search the company’s name and power outage online to find ways to report it. Naylor recommends reporting directly to the utility rather than social media as the company likely won’t see your Facebook post as fast as they could answer your phone call.
Patience is key during winter power outages. Utility crews work hard to restore power, but winter conditions may prevent crews from safely accessing affected areas, especially in rural areas. Your safety is important, and so is theirs. Batteries, generators and portable power stations aren’t a fit for every budget. When winter storms are coming your way, stock up on emergency supplies like flashlights, blankets, water and non-perishable food just in case. And don’t forget a board game or two, which can make the waiting for power a little more fun.
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