More than half the country is preparing to face significant snow and ice accumulations starting Friday, with expected disruptions to transportation, schools, and essential services.
An extensive winter storm is poised to impact more than 175 million people in the United States starting Friday, January 23, 2026, with alerts active in 30 states due to the possibility of historic snow and ice accumulations, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The system, classified by authorities as one of the most extensive of the season, will move from the southwest to the northeast of the country and maintain dangerous conditions throughout the weekend.
According to the NWS, the phenomenon will enter through southwestern regions, first affecting New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. The projected path includes large urban areas such as Dallas, Kansas City, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York, where snow accumulations exceeding 30 centimeters (12 inches) are expected in the coming days. Meteorological authorities have updated the alerts due to the potential impact on infrastructure, transportation, and essential services.
The arrival of this system coincides with the most severe stage of winter in North America. The Weather Prediction Center reminded that similar storms have caused substantial disruptions in previous seasons, with difficulties for traffic, school closures, and economic damage due to power outages and property damage. Official monitoring will remain active throughout the event.
When does the winter storm begin in the United States?
The National Weather Service reported that the storm will begin to generate significant impacts from the early morning of Friday, January 23, 2026, with the entry of a cold front from the southwest. The first areas affected will be the mountainous areas of New Mexico and Arizona, where accumulations of up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) are expected in less than 24 hours, according to the official forecast.
During Friday, the snow and ice will advance north and east. Projections indicate that the period of greatest intensity will be between Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25, when the storm is expected to reach its peak in the Mid-Atlantic and the northeastern part of the country.
Which areas will be most affected and what accumulations are expected?
According to the NWS, the areas that will receive the greatest snow accumulations include the mountainous regions of the southwest and urban areas of the central and eastern parts of the country. In Flagstaff and the area around Telluride, forecasts indicate accumulations that could reach 60 centimeters (24 inches).
In the southern plains, cities like Oklahoma City could see more than 30 centimeters (12 inches) of snow, while Dallas, Fort Worth, and Plano are expected to receive between 2.5 and 7.5 centimeters (1 to 3 inches). The phenomenon will continue its advance toward the northeast, where authorities anticipate even greater accumulations.
In the Mid-Atlantic, the NWS warned that Washington, D.C., Richmond, Norfolk, and areas of Philadelphia could see more than 30 centimeters (12 inches) of snow over the weekend. The forecast considers that the final path of the system could modify these values, especially at the northern edge of the storm.
What is the forecast for the Northeast and Southeast of the country?
The Northeast region is under alert due to the possibility of significant accumulations. The NWS estimates that New York City, Yonkers, White Plains, and New Rochelle could receive between 30 and 45 centimeters (12 to 18 inches) of snow. Inland locations, such as Syracuse and Binghamton, anticipate up to 60 centimeters (24 inches).
In the Southeast, official forecasts show smaller accumulations. Locations in Georgia and Alabama expect between 2.5 and 7.5 centimeters (1 to 3 inches) of snow, while areas of Tennessee and North Carolina could see more than 30 centimeters (12 inches) in specific areas.
Why does the storm pose a risk to infrastructure and mobility? The National Weather Service emphasized that the combination of snow and freezing rain increases the risk of power outages and traffic accidents. Areas in the South and Southeast, such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, could experience power disruptions due to ice accumulation on power lines and trees.
The agency warned: “Travel conditions will become extremely dangerous, and widespread power outages are possible.” Emergency crews and road maintenance teams are deployed in the highest-risk areas to ensure safety and restore essential services in the event of incidents.
The ground and air transportation sectors are reporting preparations to handle cancellations and delays on domestic and international routes.
National. Airports in the northeast and central parts of the country have activated special protocols to manage passenger flow and operations during the event.
What measures have authorities taken in response to the approaching storm?
Federal, state, and local authorities activated emergency plans and reinforced essential services. The NWS and the Federal Highway Administration advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel and stock up on basic supplies.
In several jurisdictions, school districts and public offices announced precautionary closures. Maintenance crews are working proactively to clear roads and protect the power grid. Local authorities are maintaining updated information channels so that residents can follow recommendations and warnings.
Constant monitoring of the storm includes updating forecasts as new information becomes available. The NWS emphasized that collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies is fundamental to reducing impacts and responding quickly to critical situations.
What economic and logistical impact is expected?
The current winter storm system covers more than 3,200 kilometers (2,000 miles) of U.S. territory, an extent that places it among the most severe storms of the last decade. The NWS reported that the coverage of weather alerts is approaching the levels recorded during episodes in 2016 and 2021.
In previous storms, economic damages exceeded $2 billion. Air and ground transportation anticipate thousands of canceled or delayed flights, in addition to the disruption of logistical and commercial services in large regions.
The National Weather Service predicts that the system will move northeast and maintain adverse effects until the beginning of next week. The situation may vary depending on the storm's final trajectory and local conditions.
What should residents of affected areas know?
The NWS recommends that the public consult official sources before making travel or planning decisions. Residents in areas under alert should check their supplies, secure alternative power sources, and maintain open lines of communication with family members and emergency services. Monitoring of the storm will continue until the system dissipates. Authorities will issue new alerts and recommendations as the weather situation evolves to protect the safety and well-being of the population.
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