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National Weather Service
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Here are the latest Key Messages for the Extreme Cold and the Winter Storm.
January 24, 2026 at 10:52 PM
nws.noaa.gov
A powerful winter storm is set to sweep across the eastern two‑thirds of the country this weekend. Stay weather‑aware by checking updates from weather.gov and following guidance from your state and local officials.
Watch, Warning, Advisory map with approximate population numbers associated with each hazard.
January 24, 2026 at 6:30 PM
nws.noaa.gov
Take this storm seriously.

Moderate to major impacts are expected from the Central US through to the Northeast through the weekend.
- Hazardous to impossible driving conditions are expected. Avoid travel if at all possible.
- Widespread closures and disruption to infrastructure may also occur.
Winter Storm Severity Index. No more important added content to add from what is in the post text.
January 23, 2026 at 10:30 PM
nws.noaa.gov
Power outages are certain for some, especially in areas where the heaviest ice will accumulate on trees and powerlines.

The cold can be deadly--but even without power, there are still ways to warm things up.

Learn more about winter safety: weather.gov/safety/winter
Staying warm when the power is out. Visuals of a home floor plan and a person on a sofa highlight safety tips: - Close blinds or curtains to keep in some heat - Close off rooms to avoid wasting heat, - Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors - Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing - Eat and drink. Food provides energy to warm the body. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
January 23, 2026 at 9:15 PM
nws.noaa.gov
In the wake of this major winter storm, communities from the Southern Plains to the Northeast will contend with bitterly cold temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills. This will cause prolonged hazardous travel and infrastructure impacts.
Extreme cold weather alerts span the U.S. from the Canadian border to the Mexican border across the central and eastern US. Forecast low temperatures across the US ending Saturday morning Jan 24, 2026. Much of the US will experience temperatures below freezing. Forecast low temperatures across the US ending Sunday morning Jan 25, 2026. Much of the US will experience temperatures below freezing. Forecast low temperatures across the US ending Monday morning Jan 24, 6. Much of the US will experience temperatures below freezing.
January 23, 2026 at 8:00 PM
nws.noaa.gov
Travel during this major winter storm could dangerous. Your safest option is to stay home and off the roads.

If you MUST travel, be prepared: Tell someone your route, check conditions, keep a full tank/charge, and ensure your emergency kit is on board. Don't risk it! weather.gov/safety
January 23, 2026 at 7:11 PM
nws.noaa.gov
Winter storm watches, warnings, advisories and ice storm warnings are in place millions of Americas. Heavy snowfall is forecast from Oklahoma to the Northeast where over a foot of snow is possible for some locations through Monday.
Winter weather alerts span a large portions of the central and eastern US Friday January 23, 2026. Heavy snow is expected to impact a large portion of the US from Oklahoma to the Northeast where over a foot is possible for some.
January 23, 2026 at 6:00 PM
nws.noaa.gov
Don't underestimate heavy snow! It can bring multi-day Power Outages, block emergency routes, and cause Communication Loss from downed lines.

Action Plan: Stock your emergency kit, secure a safe alternative heat source, and heed the warning to stay off the roads. Preparation is your best defense!
Heavy Snow Dangers: More Than Just Slippery Roads. Dangers listed: Blocked roads, Multi-day power outages, Disrupted emergency response, Downed trees and utility poles, Cell tower and phone line outages. An illustration shows a snow-buried house and car with a sparking downed power line. Text box: "Getting Ready for the Storm: Stock up on essentials, have alternate heat sources, and stay off roads until conditions improve."
January 23, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Reposted by National Weather Service
noaa.gov
NWS Director Ken Graham went LIVE with Charlie, Ainsley and Brian today on @FoxandFriends to share latest forecast & tips on how to stay prepared for this weekend’s historic winter storm:

“Stay home, have supplies, be ready!”

Full interview:
www.foxnews.com/video/638814...

cc: nws.noaa.gov
Expert urges Americans to 'be ready' as winter storm hits: 'Stay home, have supplies' | Fox News Video
FOX Weather meteorologist Adam Klotz shares the forecast as a winter storm hits the country. National Weather Service Director Ken Graham joins 'Fox & Friends' to share advice for Americans preparing ...
www.foxnews.com
January 23, 2026 at 4:17 PM
nws.noaa.gov
A significant, long-duration winter storm will bring widespread heavy snow, sleet, & freezing rain to a large part of the U.S. through Monday. Widespread travel disruptions, prolonged power outages, and vast tree damage is likely.

Bookmark weather.gov/safety/winter more winter weather safety tips.
Winter Storm Planning Timeline infographic set against a snowy night background. Header: "The day before." Text: Forecast accuracy continues to improve, so keep checking the latest. Three items follow: Adjust plans; Have multiple ways to receive warnings; Bring pets indoors and ensure they have water.
January 23, 2026 at 2:48 PM
nws.noaa.gov
Winter weather is forecast to impact a large part of the country in the coming days. Will there be snow, ice, rain?

NWS Meteorologist Haley Thiem explains how the temperature of the air between the clouds and the ground determine the type of precipitation you get.
January 22, 2026 at 11:05 PM
nws.noaa.gov
New news feature from @NOAA: www.noaa.gov/news/dangero...
Dangerous winter storm, extreme cold on the way for large portion of U.S
Get the latest forecast and conditions from NOAA's National Weather Service
www.noaa.gov
January 22, 2026 at 10:28 PM
nws.noaa.gov
Over 160 million people are under winter hazards associated with the impending major winter storm. Disruptive snowfall is likely from the Rockies to the Northeast, including dangerous ice from the ArkLaTex to the Mid-Atlantic. You can find a detailed forecast at weather.gov.

Here's the latest...
The latest Key Messages detail the latest information regarding the impending winter storm set to produce far-reaching impacts from the Southern Rockies to the Northeast. The top graphic displays the Probabilistic Winter Storm Severity Index which depicts the probabilities for experiencing at least Moderate Impacts. Moderate Impacts speak to potential for hazardous travel conditions and some infrastructure impacts. The bottom image shows, of those probabilistic areas, which winter weather hazard (snow or freezing rain) is the most likely hazard in that area. High-Impact & Far-Reaching Winter Storm A significant, long-duration winter storm is threatening over 160 million Americans with widespread heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain from the Southern Rockies to New England, lasting from Friday through Monday. Extremely cold air will follow, prolonging dangerous travel and infrastructure impacts into next week. Widespread Heavy Snow Heavy snow is likely across a broad region from the Southern Rockies and Plains through the Mid-Atlantic and into the Northeast. Snowfall totals exceeding 12 inches are likely across the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast. Widespread travel disruptions are likely. Catastrophic Ice Accumulation Widespread freezing rain and sleet are expected south of the primary snow axis, affecting parts of the Southern Plains, Lower Mississippi Valley, Tennessee Valley, the Southeast, and southern Virginia. Significant to locally catastrophic ice accumulations are likely, with the potential for long-duration power outages, extensive tree damage, and extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions. Extended Impacts In wake of the storm, communities from the Southern Plains to the Northeast will contend with bitterly cold temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills. This will prolong hazardous travel and infrastructure impacts into next week. Preparations should be completed as soon as possible, & forecasts closely monitored for updates.
January 22, 2026 at 9:38 PM
nws.noaa.gov
Winter will still be in full swing after this next system expected Friday through Monday (January 23-26) that will bring cold, snow, and icy conditions.

The latest outlook shows the cold weather will hang around in the East through the month. February also looks to start out cold.

weather.gov
Days 8-14 U.S. Hazards Outlook Forecast valid: January 30 - February 5 Map that highlights roughly the eastern third of the country starting with portions of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas and continuing all the way east to the Atlantic Coast. This area is highlighted to see continued cold temperatures with "much below normal" temperatures expected.
January 22, 2026 at 8:03 PM
nws.noaa.gov
With heavy snow, sleet, & freezing rain in the forecast Friday-Sunday (Jan. 23-25) from New Mexico to the East Coast, it's best to stay home and off the roads as the hazardous weather rolls in. But if you absolutely have to travel, make sure your vehicle is packed and ready to go! weather.gov/safety
January 22, 2026 at 5:58 PM
nws.noaa.gov
⚠️~132 million: Number of people under alerts for snow, sleet, & freezing rain.

A large, long-duration winter storm is expected to bring widespread heavy snow, sleet, & freezing rain from the Southern Rockies & Plains beginning Friday (Jan. 23), spreading eastward toward New England this weekend.
🧵
Map of the U.S. showing the watches, warnings, and advisories in effect across over 20 states.
January 22, 2026 at 4:17 PM
nws.noaa.gov
A clipper system moving through the north-central US will bring sporadic snow showers, gusty winds, and cold temperatures to the Northern Plains, Midwest, and Great Lakes. Blizzard conditions and whiteout conditions are possible in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa this evening.
January 21, 2026 at 11:08 PM
nws.noaa.gov
Nearly everyone east of the Rockies will see impacts from snow, ice, and/or extreme cold beginning by Friday and lasting through early next week. Get prepared ahead of the storm so your weekend plans can be to stay home and stay warm!

weather.gov
January 21, 2026 at 8:50 PM
nws.noaa.gov
Talks of snow may be exciting, but dangerously cold temperatures bring even more risk this weekend. -50F wind chills in the Plains, and sub-freezing temperatures all the way down to the Gulf Coast pose a life threatening risk this weekend. Have a plan to stay warm!
www.weather.gov/safety/winte...
January 21, 2026 at 3:10 PM
nws.noaa.gov
The latest on the major winter storm and extreme cold expected later this week.
January 21, 2026 at 1:57 AM
nws.noaa.gov
With the potential for impactful wintry weather on the rise for the end of the week for many of you, it's wise to ask: Are you prepared for a winter storm? If the forecast calls for winter weather in YOUR area, begin preparing NOW. Don’t wait until the last minute. weather.gov/safety/winter-before
A few days out: if the forecast calls for winter weather, start preparing now. Have emergency supplies for your home & car. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replenish fuel for your car and heating sources. The day before: forecast accuracy continues to improve, so keep checking the latest. Adjust plans. Have multiple ways to receive Warnings. Bring pets indoors and ensure they have water. During and after: remain vigilant and stay informed. Drive only if necessary. Check on neighbors and family. Properly ventilate emergency heat sources. Keep generators at least 20 feet from your home. Take it easy when shoveling.
January 20, 2026 at 9:42 PM
nws.noaa.gov
A winter storm will produce great swaths of heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain from the Rockies/Plains and Mid-South starting Friday and shift toward the East Coast through Sunday. The forecast continues to evolve. Latest at weather.gov.

Probabilities of at least MODERATE winter weather impacts:
January 20, 2026 at 6:57 PM
nws.noaa.gov
Today: Heavy lake-effect and lake-enhanced snow will persist downwind of the Great Lakes and produce some whiteout conditions that could cause difficult travel conditions, while a coastal low will produce moderate to heavy snow over parts of New England into the afternoon. weather.gov
January 20, 2026 at 2:25 PM
nws.noaa.gov
Space weather update: G4 (Severe) storm conditions first reached at 1938 UTC (2:38pm EST) upon CME shock arrival. Please continue to visit spaceweather.gov for the latest information and updates.
January 19, 2026 at 10:57 PM
nws.noaa.gov
There are increasing chances for snow and ice from the southern Plains to the Mid-Atlantic late this week and into the weekend. There is still plenty of uncertainty in the forecast, which will evolve in the coming days, so stay up to date on the latest at weather.gov.
U.S. map showing low to moderate probabilities of minor winter weather impacts across the central Plains into the Midwest and Appalachians, with higher probabilities near the Great Lakes and Northeast. U.S. map showing widespread moderate to high probabilities of minor winter weather impacts from the southern Plains through the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys into the Mid-Atlantic. U.S. map showing high probabilities of minor winter weather impacts across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, with lower probabilities extending westward into the Plains.
January 19, 2026 at 8:52 PM