1/20/2026

 

Samuel Clifford

 

Introduction

 

This weekend, the Southeastern United States is expected to experience a significant winter storm, with some areas likely to see their heaviest snowfall in years. A major winter storm is set to impact more than two dozen states from Texas to Massachusetts this weekend, bringing a dangerous mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. This system may be the most extreme winter storm of the season so far, fueled by a surge of Arctic air delivering the coldest temperatures of the year. The Weather Prediction Center warns that the storm will stretch more than 1,000 miles, producing widespread hazards from the Southern Plains to the East Coast. Sources add that the combination of snow and ice could overwhelm road crews, cut power to hundreds of thousands, and disrupt travel for days.

 

Why Is This Happening?  

 

This storm is developing because a surge of Arctic air is pushing far to the south, creating a sharp clash between very cold and warmer air. That temperature contrast is what fuels strong winter storms. Forecasters say this Arctic outbreak will drop temperatures 15 to 30 degrees below normal across the Midwest, South, and East. In the upper Midwest, wind chills could fall to 30–50 degrees below zero, which is dangerous in just minutes.

 

As this cold air spreads, it decides where different types of precipitation form — snow in the colder areas, freezing rain and sleet where temperatures hover near freezing, and rain farther south. Because the cold air will stay in place for a long stretch, any snow or ice that falls won’t melt quickly. This increases the chances of power outages, broken tree limbs, icy roads, and other damage that could last well into next week.

 

Forecast of What Is Expected  

 

Snow and ice will begin Friday across northern Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas before spreading into the Mississippi Valley, the South, and eventually the mid‑Atlantic. Sources note that snow could linger along the East Coast into Monday, depending on the storm’s track. Yahoo News highlights that some areas on the colder side of the storm could receive 6 to 12 inches of snow, with more than two feet possible in parts of the southern Appalachians. Major cities in the storm’s path include Dallas, Austin, Oklahoma City, Nashville, Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. Significant icing is possible in northern Texas, the lower Mississippi Valley, northern Georgia, and the Carolinas.

 

How to Prepare  

 

Residents should prepare for widespread travel disruptions, potential power outages, and dangerous cold. Meteorologists warn that even a quarter‑inch of ice can bring down trees and power lines, and some areas may see enough accumulation to make roads impassable for days. Stocking up on essentials, protecting pipes, and limiting travel during the storm will be crucial. With temperatures expected to remain below freezing for extended periods — including up to 60 consecutive hours in Dallas — households should take steps to safeguard plumbing, pets, and vulnerable family members.

 

Conclusion  

 

This storm represents one of the most significant winter weather events of the season, combining heavy snow, damaging ice, and a surge of Arctic cold. While the exact track will determine local impacts, the overall threat is clear: widespread disruptions, dangerous conditions, and lingering effects into early next week. Staying informed and preparing ahead of time will help communities across the South, Midwest, and East Coast navigate the storm safely.

 

Sources

 

Sources

 

ABC News. “Back-to-Back Winter Storms to Hit East This Weekend as Arctic Blast Follows.” ABC News, 20 Jan. 2026, https://abcnews.go.com/US/back-back-winter-storms-hit-east-weekend-arctic/story?id=129309541.

 

CNN. “A Major Winter Storm — the Season’s Most Extreme So Far — Is Set to Lash the Eastern U.S.” CNN, 20 Jan. 2026, https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/20/weather/winter-storm-snow-ice-central-eastern-us-climate.

 

Yahoo News. “A High-Impact Winter Storm Will Spread Snow and Ice Across More Than Two Dozen States.” Yahoo News, 2026, https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/major-snow-ice-storm-affect-165932545.html