Major Update On This Upcoming Winter Storm...

A major winter storm of historic proportions is set to impact the eastern two-thirds of the United States beginning Friday, January 23, 2026, and continuing through the weekend and into early next week. This expansive system will deliver a dangerous combination of heavy snowfall, significant ice accumulation, and bitterly cold Arctic air across a vast region stretching from the Southern Plains to the Northeast.
• Heavy Snowfall: Portions of the Midwest, Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast are forecast to receive 6–12 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts exceeding one foot possible in favored areas such as the central Appalachians and parts of the Northeast. These accumulations will create hazardous travel conditions and potential for significant impacts on infrastructure.
• Damaging Ice Storm: A swath across the South, including parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, the Tennessee Valley, Georgia, and the Carolinas, faces the threat of substantial freezing rain accumulation. Ice totals may reach or exceed one-quarter to one-half inch in the most affected zones, raising the risk of widespread power outages, downed trees, and dangerous travel due to ice-covered roads and structures.
• Bitterly Cold Temperatures: Following the precipitation, an intense surge of Arctic air will plunge temperatures well below normal—potentially setting record lows across multiple regions. Wind chills could drop to -20°F or lower in many areas, with extreme values approaching -50°F possible in the Upper Midwest and northern Plains. This prolonged cold will extend hazardous conditions well into the following week.
This storm is expected to affect more than 200 million people, making it one of the most widespread and impactful winter events in recent years. Viewers should monitor the latest National Weather Service alerts, prepare for potential power disruptions, limit travel where possible, and take precautions against extreme cold exposure.
Stay informed with ongoing updates as the storm track and intensity continue to evolve. Safety remains the top priority.