US Prepares for Major Winter Storm Amid Emergency Declarations

Mon Jan 26 2026 07:48:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As a severe winter storm nears, affecting over 200 million Americans, state officials brace for potential travel disruptions and hazardous conditions across the country.

A significant winter storm is forecasted to impact more than 200 million Americans starting Friday, with heavy snow and freezing temperatures expected. States have declared emergencies, and transportation authorities warn of potential travel delays. Major cities including New York, Boston, and DC are bracing for substantial snowfall. Preparations are underway, with governors mobilizing emergency resources and urging residents to stay informed and safe during the storm.

More than 200 million Americans are expected to face an unusually brutal winter storm starting Friday, with heavy snows and freezing rains forecast.

The storm is expected to sweep through much of the United States, leaving extremely dangerous conditions as it tracks eastwards from the High Plains and Rockies, the National Weather Service (NWS) said.

It warned that the Arctic blast will bring sub-zero temperatures and wind chills, which pose a life-threatening risk of hypothermia and frostbite to exposed skin.

US transportation officials, including airport authorities in several major cities, have warned of weekend travel disruption, delays, and cancellations.

What is the storm's predicted path?

The winter storm is forecast to move slowly across the US, blanketing cities including Memphis, Nashville, Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York with snow.

Heavy snow is predicted through the Southern Rockies and Plains, into the Mid-Atlantic and reaching the Northeast.

According to the NWS Probabilistic Precipitation Portal, regions that could see more than a foot of snow stretch from Colorado to West Virginia to Boston.

How are states preparing for the storm?

Governors in several US states, including Arkansas, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, have declared states of emergency, allowing emergency officials - including National Guard troops - to begin mobilizing response efforts.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the state has over 1,600 snow plows and 114,000 tonnes of salt on hand for the storm. She urged residents to stock up on groceries and be careful when shoveling snow.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated there was no expectation whatsoever that the state's power grid would fail, contrasting with failures seen during a major storm in 2021.

As preparations ramp up, over 3,200 flights have already been canceled due to the impending storm, alongside expectations of travel being nearly impossible during peak conditions. Residents are advised to remain indoors and stay updated on emergency alerts.