US Jobless Claims Edge Lower as Winter Storm Effects Linger

Experts warn storm-related applications for unemployment benefits could remain elevated for the next couple of weeks.

A street during a winter storm in New York City on Jan. 25, 2026. Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times

Fallout from the severe winter storm continues to show up in employment data, with initial jobless claims remaining elevated last week.

The number of Americans filing applications for first-time unemployment benefits dropped by 5,000 to 227,000 for the week ending Feb. 7, according to new Department of Labor data released on Feb. 12.