Archive · 24 Jan 2026
Winter Storm Threatens 40 States
A really big and dangerous winter storm is coming to the Southern and Eastern United States.
It will bring a lot of snow, ice, and freezing rain, making it very hard for people to travel and do their daily activities.
The ice could be up to one inch thick in some places, and it might stay for more than a day.
This could cause power outages for many people, and the cold air coming after the storm will make things even worse.
The storm could also make it hard for people to get important supplies like medicine and food.
People are being told to be very careful and check on their travel plans before heading out.
Cities and states are preparing with snowplows and salt trucks, but the storm could still be very dangerous.
US President Donald Trump has questioned the reality of global warming in the wake of this cold wave, calling it a 'hoax' and dismissing scientists' concerns as a 'political agenda.'
A massive winter storm is expected to bring snow, ice, and freezing rain from Texas to the mid-Atlantic coast.
The storm could cause widespread power outages, with up to 1 million customers potentially losing power for an extended period.
Ice accumulation of up to one inch is expected in some areas, with the highest risk in northeastern Louisiana, southwestern Arkansas, northern Mississippi, northern Alabama, northern Georgia, and upstate South Carolina.
The storm could disrupt travel, close schools, businesses, and airports, and cause supply chain breakdowns.
After the storm, Arctic air will move in, causing temperatures to plunge and making travel conditions even more dangerous.
- Who
- Millions of people in the Southern and Eastern US, from Texas to the Carolinas and up to the Northeast
- What
- A massive winter storm with snow, ice, and freezing rain
- When
- Beginning Friday and continuing through the weekend
- Where
- From far western Texas to the mid-Atlantic coast, affecting more than a dozen states
- Why
- The storm is expected to bring dangerous conditions, including prolonged power outages, travel disruptions, and infrastructure damage
Preparation and Safety
Potential Impact and Risks
Preparation Efforts
Preparation and Safety
Cities and states are actively preparing with snowplows, salt trucks, and other equipment to manage the storm.
Potential Impact and Risks
Despite preparations, the storm's severity could overwhelm resources, leading to prolonged outages and disruptions.
Travel Disruptions
Preparation and Safety
Travel advisories and closures are being issued to keep people safe.
Potential Impact and Risks
The storm could cause significant travel delays and closures, affecting millions of people.
Power Outages
Preparation and Safety
Efforts are being made to minimize power outages through proactive measures.
Potential Impact and Risks
The storm could result in widespread and long-lasting power outages, posing risks to life and property.
- Storm Type
- Winter storm with snow, ice, and freezing rain
- Affected Area
- From Texas to the mid-Atlantic coast
- Ice Accumulation
- Up to one inch in some areas
- Duration of Ice
- More than 24 hours in some locations
- Potential Power Outages
- Up to 1 million customers may lose power
- Population Affected
- Around 175 million people
- High-Risk Areas
- Northeastern Louisiana, southwestern Arkansas, northern Mississippi, northern Alabama, northern Georgia, upstate South Carolina
- Temperature Drop
- Plunge into the 20s, teens, and single digits
- Snowplows in Nashville
- 45
- Snowplows in Memphis
- 15
- Winter Weather Equipment in Texas
- 1,000-plus
- Salt on Hand in Arkansas
- 78,000 cubic yards
- Flights Delayed/Canceled
- More than 1,500
- People Under Warnings
- About 160 million
Sources
Massive 1,800-mile ice and snow storm to hit Southern US, from Texas to North Carolina; millions at risk: AccuWeather
Potentially catastrophic winter storm puts millions across US on alert
Millions Of Americans Prepare For Potentially Catastrophic Ice Storm
US weather alert: Millions in New Mexico, Carolina brace for ice storm; heavy snow warning for Washington
More than 1,400 flights cancelled, 11 states declare emergency as US braces for massive winter storm
Which Is The Coldest Place On Earth This Week? It's Not Antarctica, Siberia Or Greenland
'What Happened To Global Warming?': Trump Amid Record US Cold Wave
'Whatever happened to global warming': Trump targets climate change activists as cold wave expected to hit 40 States
Polar Vortex Collapse Forecast: Which Areas Are Under Threat Amid Winter Storms in US?
Boston’s 18-Inch Snow Deluge to Make Travel Hard to ‘Impossible’
Winter Storm Hits US: List Of States Under State of Emergency From Texas To New York And New Jersey
Winter storm in US: Over 6000 flights cancelled, power outages, ‘worse of the ice could hit...’
