BOSTON — A major ice storm in January 2026 deposited up to two inches of ice on structures across the Northeast, causing roof collapses, pipe bursts, and power outages that generated an estimated $1.8 billion in insured losses across New England, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Ice accumulation of one inch adds approximately 10 pounds per square foot of load to a roof structure — two inches can add 20 pounds or more, depending on the density of the ice. Flat-roofed commercial buildings and older residential structures with inadequate structural capacity are most vulnerable to collapse under ice loading.
Pipe bursts were the most common damage type reported by restoration contractors following the storm. When power outages disable heating systems, interior temperatures in unoccupied or poorly insulated structures can drop rapidly, causing water in pipes to freeze and expand. The resulting pipe bursts can release hundreds of gallons of water before the damage is discovered.
Restoration contractors across the Northeast reported a surge in emergency calls in the 48 hours following the storm, with some companies receiving more calls in a single day than they typically handle in a week. Response times were extended by road closures and the sheer volume of simultaneous damage events.
The storm highlighted the importance of winterization for vacant and seasonal properties. Restoration contractors advise property owners to maintain minimum heating temperatures of 55°F in vacant structures during cold weather, shut off water supply and drain pipes in properties that will be unoccupied for extended periods, and ensure that gutters and downspouts are clear before winter to prevent ice dam formation.
