As the winter storm rages, here's what to know in your state

By Anusha Mathur,

The NPR Network, Alana Wise

Published January 24, 2026 at 4:51 AM CST

Pedestrians cross the street along Broadway during a winter storm Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.

Updated January 25, 2026 at 12:36 AM CST

A powerful winter storm has begun slowly carving its way across the eastern two-thirds of the United States, potentially bringing a mix of heavy snow, dangerous ice and bitterly cold temperatures from New Mexico to New England.

In New Mexico and Texas, tens of thousands were without electricity on Saturday as the effects of the weekend's large weekend storm began.

More than 30 states were under a National Weather Service watch, warning or advisory as of Saturday morning. NWS forecasters were particularly concerned about freezing rain and ice, warning that "catastrophic ice accumulations are expected from the Southern Plains to the Southeast/Mid-Atlantic."

"Whenever we see these big ice events, we'll see various hazards; obviously bridges and overpasses being frozen over, and with trees and various different things that could fall into the roadways or potentially fall on houses," said Nicholas Price, an NWS meteorologist in Texas.

Travel will also be severely affected with over 10,000 flights cancelled across the country this weekend and more than 18,000 expected delays.

Reporters from across the NPR Network are covering the storm in each state — the impact and how officials are responding. We've also got tips for interpreting different weather notices, protecting your home or vehicle ahead of time, and for staying safe once the storm hits.

First, some advice from past cold blasts:

The kind of cold the U.S. is experiencing this weekend can be dangerous and even deadly. Here are some precautions to take if you have to go outside.
Animals also are at risk when out in the cold for prolonged periods. Take extra care to keep them warm in the cold weather.

Alabama

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey issued a state of emergency for 19 northern counties ahead of the storm.
"In Alabama, we are no stranger to Mother Nature," Ivey said. "However, when it comes to winter weather, we are not as familiar. So, as we head into this weekend, I am urging my fellow Alabamians, especially in the northern part of our state, to stay weather aware."
The dairy aisle at a Publix supermarket in Tuscaloosa was bare as people stocked up on water, food, and generators. Flightaware says fifteen flights out of Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport have been cancelled.

Arkansas

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency Thursday.
Arkansas Department of Transportation spokesperson Dave Parker warned that this system is unlike winter storms that typically blow through the region and will make it "a very difficult battle" to clear roads.

Strong winds kick up snow in Lowville, New York, on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026.

Connecticut

Gov. Ned Lamont activated the state's Severe Cold Weather Protocol, which helps people find shelter space and provide transportation to shelters.
Parts of the state could get more than a foot of snow. "This is the real McCoy," Lamont said. He added that some 650 plows and 900 drivers as well as 250 utility crews are ready to respond.

Delaware

The snow is set to start as early as 8 pm Saturday in Sussex County. In the rest of the state, snow is expected hold off until after midnight. Gov. Matt Meyer has declared a state of emergency beginning midnight Sunday.
Department of Transportation Community Relations Director C.R. McLeod said staff brined roads statewide on Friday to get ahead of freezing conditions before precipitation begins.
"On Saturday, we'll really kick into snow prep with the filling of our plow trucks with salt, bringing our staff in to be ready to roll as soon as the snow begins to fall overnight on Saturday," McLeod said.
Code Purple at the Cape — a volunteer organization — provides wintertime shelter to homeless people in the cape region of Delaware. Site director Mike Agnew says they aim to serve between 40 and 50 unsheltered people this weekend with state support.

Georgia

Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency on Thursday. His emergency order allows for 500 Georgia National Guard troops to be deployed as needed. It also "prohibits price gouging; suspends hours-of-service limitations for commercial vehicle operators involved in response activities; and temporarily increases weight, height, and length limits for commercial vehicles transporting essential supplies."
The impacts of the storm will likely be felt days after the worst of the weather has passed, as officials say hazardous road conditions could affect Monday morning commutes.
The University of Georgia closed its campus and announced that all in-person classes, campus events and activities will be canceled on Monday. The impacts of the storm will likely be felt days after the worst of the weather has passed, as officials say hazardous road conditions could affect Monday morning commutes.
The Classic City Marathon confirmed that all races scheduled for Saturday will carry on as expected, but runners who don't want to brave the elements can complete their chosen distance any time before Feb. 14 and upload their results online.

For more resources and the most up-to-date information, head to WUGA or WFDD.

Indiana

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator, which is CenterPoint Energy's Indiana electric grid operator, declared a conservation alert, asking customers to conserve energy and prepare for the possibility of "planned outages."
The tri-state area is expecting six to 12 inches of snow or more to fall — the most snowfall in the area in 20 years. Evansville could see 12-to-18 inches.
Gov. Mike Braun activated the Indiana National Guard and the Indiana State Police on Friday. The National Weather Service warned of frostbite and said temperatures could fall to -25 degrees in some places.

Kentucky

The National Weather Service says central and eastern Kentucky could get the most snow they've seen in 10 years.
All 120 of Kentucky's counties are under a winter storm warning from Saturday to Monday morning.
Kentucky National Guard members have been prepositioned in areas where more ice is expected to accumulate.
In the city of Lexington, the storm "will more than likely take its place among the top ten" since 1887, says Emergency Management Director Rob Larkin.
Periods of heavy sleet are predicted to hit western Kentucky with freezing rain mixed in, including some sleet accumulation and up to a light glaze of freezing rain.
Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency.
The head of the Kentucky Emergency Management agency said the National Guard and other personnel stand ready to clear roads and help provide shelter to those who need it.
Kentucky Utilities has an instant text and call alert service to inform customers about outages.
In Fayette County, the nonprofit group Camp Hero is offering free rides for healthcare workers from Saturday afternoon through Monday.

Louisiana

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry on Thursday declared a state of emergency, which his office says "activates the State's emergency response and recovery program, allowing for direct state assistance to support operational measures at the parish level."
In the northern city of Monroe, Mayor Friday Ellis declared a state of emergency.

For more resources in Louisiana, head to KEDM.

Maine

Temperatures in parts of the state could drop as low as -20 degrees.
"Probably the coldest temperatures are going to be seen up north and across the Western Maine mountains," said Steven Baron, a meteorologist in Gray.

Maryland

Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency: "What we need now is for everyone in the state of Maryland to understand the seriousness of this storm and to be partners in making sure that everyone is going to be safe," Moore said.
The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter is looking for people to foster dogs.

Unhoused individual Minyon McClure carries propane and other supplies from the Orange Tent Project nonprofit during dangerously cold temperatures Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, in Chicago.

Massachusetts

It's been over 1,400 days since Boston saw a storm with over 6 inches of snow – the second-longest stretch on record. But the streak will come to an end.
In Boston, the storm will be "both intense and long-lasting." The heaviest snowfall is expected on Sunday night with 2-4 inches per hour possible.
South of the city, the snow may get quite sticky for a little while. Officials in Springfield, Massachusetts say the snowstorm merits an emergency declaration.
Expect slick roads, travel delays and flight cancellations into Monday.

Mississippi

Mississippi is under a state of emergency as counties prepare for potential wintry conditions and power outages from the storm.
"While we are working on a reliability project for power, that work is not complete, and we remain vulnerable to power loss, causing disruptions to water service," said Jackson Mayor John Horhn.
The southern part of the state is expected to be spared the brunt of the storm, but officials warn that extreme cold still poses a risk to residents.

Missouri

Kansas City will continue to snow through Sunday, although meteorologists have revised snowfall totals slightly lower. Bitterly cold temperatures are expected to remain into next week.
The St. Louis region, is under a winter storm watch until noon Sunday. Gov. Mike Kehoe has declared a state of emergency.
The storm comes amid an already very chaotic climate year for St. Louis.
St. Louis is piloting a new plowing protocol and adding emergency beds ahead of severe weather. Streets Department Director James Jackson said the city aims to have all main roadways open in 48 to 72 hours.
Meanwhile, the Illinois Department of Transportation is eschewing pretreatment of roads in the Metro East.
As precipitation starts to fall, the Missouri Department of Transportation's team will be fully deployed across the state, "3,000 folks working two shifts a day until this is back to near normal conditions." Additional Crisis Cold Weather Shelters will be open this weekend.
Bonus: St. Louis Public Radio has a recipe recommendation to help you warm up in the cold.

Nebraska

Dozens of school districts across the state heeded the warnings and canceled Friday classes, including Ainsworth in the Panhandle to Ord in central Nebraska and Lincoln Public Schools and Omaha Public Schools.
Several cities, including Lincoln and Omaha, are activating warming centers for people seeking a reprieve from the frigid temperatures.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Public Radio has resources for finding shelters and staying safe as the state braces for extreme cold, including temperatures of -30 and wind gusts of up to 100 miles per hour.
New Hampshire Fish and Game Sergeant Matthew Holmes has warned hikers against venturing out during the storm but has offered recommendations to stay safe during the hazardous conditions.
"Although [hiking] is something that I worry about, and often drives me nuts, I know it's going to happen and we're going to have folks out there," he said.

New Jersey

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill, on the heels of her inauguration, announced that an emergency declaration will go into effect for all 21 counties at 5 p.m. Saturday.
Sherrill also announced. a commercial vehicle travel restriction on interstate highways as a safety precaution to prevent incidents that could delay first responders and impede our plowing efforts.

New York

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency as the entire state prepares.
She urged New Yorkers to be prepared for heavy snow and frigid temperatures.
In the New York City area the weather is set to intensify by early Sunday morning with heavy snow and strong winds combining to create whiteout conditions.
In addition to heavy snowfall in some spots, it will be dangerously cold. Parts of the North Country will have wind chills as low as 50 below zero. Much of Central New York is preparing for a week-long winter cold snap.
On Long Island, where open farm fields can expose roads to snowdrifts, highway superintendents are preparing by checking snow fences, which help trap windblown snow, and readying large snow-blowing trucks.
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani is already fielding a barrage of questions about whether he'll close schools for part of next week. While children may have been hopeful, he announced that New York City public school students will be open Monday despite the forecast; no snow day.
Bonus: Gothamist has recommendations for how to make the most of the snowstorm this weekend.

For more resources by region in New York, head to WSKG.

North Carolina

Gov. Josh Stein warned North Carolinians to "stay put." They should also prepare to go without power for a few days as ice-laden tree limbs threaten to drag down power lines.
The most severe impacts of ice and freezing rain are expected to be felt inland through Sunday. NWS has issued an ice storm warning (more serious than a watch) for inland counties.
The city of Winston-Salem announced that four vehicles from the North Carolina National Guard have been deployed to help residents affected by the impending winter storm.
NCDOT crews are currently brining roads, but officials said travel will become extremely hazardous Saturday night through early next week.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Tom Green says the precipitation moving into the Piedmont on Saturday may begin as snow, but that might change: "As things end up evolving Saturday evening and Saturday night, we're expecting that that will likely transition to a period of sleet and freezing rain."

For more tips and resources in North Carolina, head to WNCW.

Ohio

Gov. Mike DeWine issued a state of emergency proclamation Saturday afternoon.
The National Weather Service has upgraded its winter storm watch to a winter storm warning, predicting eight inches to a foot of snow in central Ohio this weekend.
Rock salt shortages may make driving in Northeast Ohio this winter more treacherous than usual.

As extremely cold temperatures grip Northeast Ohio, emergency doctors are warning that frostbite can develop faster than many parents realize, especially in children.
"Thirty minutes or less typically is all the time that's required to develop frostbite in exposed individuals when the windchill is near zero," said MetroHealth emergency physician Dr. Jeremiah Escajeda. She advises dressing children in layers, keeping extremities covered and changing out of wet clothing.

For the latest in Ohio, head to WVXU.

Jim Matthess, left, and Morgan McLuckie with the Orange Tent Project nonprofit set up a propane heater for an unhoused individual during dangerously cold temperatures Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, in Chicago.

Oklahoma

After days of warnings and preparations, Oklahomans are now seeing the first sleet and snowfall of the winter storm.
Oklahoma State climatologist Gary McManus said the next few days resemble a record-setting winter storm in 2011. That time, the wind chill reached -25 degrees and total snowfall reached a foot in parts of the state.
Temperatures are forecast to drop as low as -15 over the weekend.

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia schools will be closed on Monday as Mayor Cherelle Parker announced the city will be under a snow emergency beginning 9 p.m. Saturday.
State Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll gave some advice to sports fans: "My preference would be a Sunday stay home day — watch the NFL games, despite the fact that the Eagles and Steelers are not playing."
Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor said he's "expecting the worst" from the storm, which is projected to drop between 9-14 inches of snow on the area. He's prepared to call in additional contractors and haulers to deal with the snow. The weekend storm is on track to be the most significant winter storm in Pittsburgh in five years, and possibly as many as 15.
"We'll be on the northwest fringe of this storm track where the heavy snow will be occurring," NWS meteorologist Chris Leonardi said of Pittsburgh.
Central Pennsylvania will also see double-digit snowfall and cold temperatures.

South Carolina

Governor Henry McMaster submitted a request for a federal emergency disaster declaration to support preparedness and response efforts.
Forecast models show ice thickness between 0.5 and 1.0 inches occurring around Greenville and Rock Hill by the time the winter storm's precipitation ends on Monday. Low temperatures on Tuesday morning are expected to reach the single digits across parts of the Upstate.

Tennessee

Mayor Paul Young has declared a state of emergency for Memphis. The City of Memphis told residents to plan for dangerous travel, potential power outages, and disruptions to water service.
In West Tennessee, the primary concern has shifted from snow to sleet and ice. Weather forecasters are currently monitoring the potential for ice accumulation, which poses a greater danger than snow and cannot be effectively cleared by snow plows.

For the latest in Tennessee, head to WKNO.

Texas

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued disaster declarations Thursday. Local officials in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Hill Country, Lubbock and Boerne have also provided specific guidance.
Dallas Fire-Rescue Chief Justin Ball said his department has responded to twice as many crashes, fires and welfare checks as normal since the storm arrived in North Texas.
Southeast Texas is under an Extreme Cold Warning through Tuesday morning. The National Weather Service forecasts hazardous to near-impossible travel conditions at least through Monday morning. Both a winter storm warning and extreme cold warning are set to go into effect for the greater Houston area on Saturday evening.
Grocery stores are already feeling a spike in demand due to panic buying. "Our phones are ringing off the hook," said Jim Stratton, a store owner in Houston Heights.
Large cities have set up additional warming centers to cope with expected freezing weather as electricity providers prepare for outages. Houston Public Works began pre-treating 41 priority locations across the city, focusing on bridges, ramps and flyovers.
Nearly 1,500 flights have been canceled on Friday and through the weekend across Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field.
KUT has tips on what to stock up on in your home, how to prep your car for extreme weather, and Texas Public Radio has the most up-to-date Texas weather information.
Ahead of the winter freeze, volunteers documented Tarrant County's homeless population. The census is always taken during the last 10 days of January, but this year, weather was a bigger focus than usual.
Winter weather could also affect turnout for the special election runoff in the 18th Congressional District.

For more resources in Texas, head to Houston Public Media or Texas Public Radio or KERA News.

Vermont

In some parts of Vermont, the National Weather Service forecasts wind chills as low as -40 degrees. Much of the state is under an extreme cold watch.
Seven extreme cold weather shelter locations will be open over the weekend. Most are part of a state-funded network of overflow shelters that activate when temperatures fall into the negatives.
Some Vermont towns are facing road salt shortages ahead of a weekend of winter weather and historic cold. Rutland City, Middlebury, Monkton and Vergennes are among the towns scaling back their ice removal as a result.

Virginia

Gov. Abigail Spanberger issued an emergency declaration and said the Commonwealth has already mobilized resources and response efforts. But she said it will take time for state agencies to clear roads in the coming days and asked people to stay home.
Central Virginia, specifically Richmond and Charlottesville, has upped its resources to prepare.

Washington, D.C.

The nation's capital is under a state of emergency. The city is also under a snow emergency that is expected to last until Tuesday morning.
Washington is bracing for at least nine inches of snow, but up to a foot is possible.
At a press conference Friday, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said she requested the assistance of the National Guard, although when asked she said she was not sure if it will be out-of-state Guard members or those from D.C. who will assist.
Federal offices in the D.C. region will be closed on Monday, according to the office of Office of Personnel Management. Telework and remote workers are expected to work.

West Virginia

Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency for all 55 counties. He also formally requested that President Donald Trump issue a Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration for the State of West Virginia.
Warming centers for unhoused people have opened across the state. "We won't turn anybody away," said shelter director Crystal Neff. "We'll find 'em a sleeping bag or a blanket, whatever we have, to make sure everybody's safe."