News|WeatherWinter storm to impact at least 180 million across southern, eastern USAuthorities warn mix of snow, freezing rain to cause dangerous conditions, as 14 states declare emergency.
## Weather Update: Winter Storm Impacts in the United States
Weather Update: Winter Storm Impacts in the United States
A significant winter storm is forecasted to affect over 180 million individuals across the southern and eastern United States. The National Weather Service has indicated that heavy snow, freezing rain, and sleet will commence in the Southern Rockies on Fri, Jan 22, 2026, and extend through the Northeast over the weekend.
Impact on Transportation and Infrastructure
In Texas and Oklahoma, preparations are underway to manage icy roads on Friday. Measures include road salt application, coordination with law enforcement and utility workers, and school cancellations.
FlightAware reports that over 800 flights within, into, or out of the US have been delayed or canceled in anticipation of the storm, particularly affecting airports in Dallas, Atlanta, and Oklahoma.
The storm is expected to deliver up to 30 centimeters (one foot) of snow from Oklahoma to Washington, DC, New York, and Boston, Massachusetts. Following the snowfall, a cold air mass will likely bring wind chills as low as -46 degrees Celsius (-50 degrees Fahrenheit) in parts of Minnesota and North Dakota.
A significant winter storm is forecasted to affect over 180 million individuals across the southern and eastern United States.
As of Fri, Jan 22, 2026, 14 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia, have declared states of emergency. This designation allows for the deployment of state resources to affected areas.
In Virginia, authorities have advised residents to prepare for potential power outages and restricted travel within local neighborhoods.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advises residents to procure necessary supplies, anticipate school and work disruptions, and ensure power banks and critical medicines are ready. Local transportation departments are requesting patience and encouraging residents to remain indoors during the storm.
With numerous businesses expected to close temporarily, there has been a notable increase in shopping activity as residents prepare for the weather's impact.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.