CNN 5 Things 'Snowicane,' New Details on ‘El Mencho’ Operation, Nick Reiner Arraignment and more
Feb 23, 2026
Blizzard conditions and ferocious winds slam the northeastern US. Inside look at the military operation that killed Mexico’s most-wanted cartel leader. Rising violence in Puerto Vallarta affects tourists and safety warnings. A dip in presidential approval ahead of the State of the Union draws attention. Court proceedings resume for Nick Reiner on first-degree murder charges. Menopause estrogen patch shortages disrupt care.
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Snowicane Creates Widespread Blizzard Conditions
- The Northeast storm combined hurricane-force winds with heavy snowfall creating a rare 'snowicane' impact.
- Winds over 50 mph across 700 miles and snowfall rates of 2–3 inches per hour produced multi-foot totals and blizzard warnings for 40 million people.
Targeting Through Personal Contact Led To El Mencho Strike
- Mexican military located Nemesio El Mencho after tracking a romantic partner who visited him, enabling a targeted operation.
- Officials reported eight cartel members killed during the strike that ended Mexico's most-wanted leader's life.
American Tourists Flee Violence During El Mencho Operation
- Tourists in Puerto Vallarta, including Scott Posokin, watched streets burn and cars set on fire after cartel violence erupted during the operation against El Mencho.
- Posokin and friends detoured from a snorkeling trip, saw an overturned bus, and escaped to the water as chaos unfolded.