Massive Winter Storm to Blanket Eastern US with Snow and Ice
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A sprawling winter storm is poised to unleash a barrage of snow, ice, and freezing rain across a vast swath of the United States, beginning Friday afternoon and intensifying through the weekend. The system, already impacting New Mexico and the Texas panhandle, is forecast to bring hazardous conditions to major metropolitan areas from Dallas to New York City.
The storm’s initial phase will see snow and ice develop in New Mexico and the Texas panhandle on Friday afternoon. By evening, a wintry mix is expected in Dallas, while Oklahoma City will experience some snowfall.
Southern States Brace for Icing and Heavy Snow
Saturday represents the most significant day for dangerous icing and heavy snow, particularly across the South. By Saturday morning, the snow and ice will stretch from Texas through Arkansas and into Tennessee. The afternoon will see snowfall extending further east, impacting cities like St. Louis, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Charleston, West Virginia.
By Saturday evening, a massive area – from New Mexico to the Carolinas – will be covered in snow and ice. Cities further south, including Dallas, Shreveport, Louisiana, Memphis, Tennessee, and Raleigh, North Carolina, are bracing for a wintry mix or freezing rain.
Storm Tracks Eastward, Threatening Major Cities
The storm’s eastward progression will accelerate early Sunday, bringing snow from Wichita, Kansas, to Cincinnati, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. Freezing rain is likely by sunrise in Houston, Memphis, Atlanta, and Raleigh. By noon, the snow is expected to reach New York City, while Washington, D.C., will see its snowfall transition to a wintry mix.
The impact along the Interstate 95 corridor remains uncertain, with forecasts indicating a potential split between areas receiving a wintry mix and those experiencing all snow on Sunday afternoon. However, most of New England and the interior Northeast are expected to be blanketed in snow on Sunday and early Monday.
Significant Accumulations Forecast Across Multiple States
Forecasters predict a wide swath of plowable snow – ranging from 3 to 6 inches – will extend from New Mexico through the Ohio Valley and up to Maine. The heaviest accumulations are anticipated from the Texas panhandle to southern Missouri, as well as from the Ohio Valley to the Appalachian Mountains and New England.
The Northeast is particularly vulnerable, with a large area potentially receiving over 1 foot of snow. Closer to the coast, from Virginia to southern New England, 6 to 12 inches are forecast. New York City’s latest forecast indicates accumulations of 8 to 12 inches.
Shoppers were already preparing for the storm on January 23, 2026, as evidenced by increased purchases of snow shovels outside Strosniders Hardware Store in Bethesda, Maryland, as captured by Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA/Shutterstock.
This widespread winter event underscores the importance of preparedness and caution as the storm moves across the country. Residents are urged to stay informed of the latest forecasts and heed the advice of local authorities.
