Winter storm live updates: East Coast’s major cities could see a foot of snow as system moves across the US
Millions of Americans are expected to face heavy snow, ice and freezing temperatures
Major cities on the East Coast could see a foot or more of snow this weekend as an “unusually large and severe” winter storm barrels through the country, forcing school closures and all but guaranteeing travel chaos.
More than 30 states have issued weather advisories or warnings for the storm, which is expected to travel from the Southern Rockies to New England Friday through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. Dozens of states are expected to face heavy snowfall, ice and freezing temperatures.
A foot of snow is possible in some states, including Oklahoma, Kansas, Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia, according to the service. Major East Coast cities, including Boston, New York City and Washington, D.C., could also see 12 inches or more.
Heavy snowfall and icy conditions are expected to cause “widespread travel disruptions,” the service said. Ice accumulation could also damage trees — leading to widespread power outages — and create “extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions.”
Wind chills could even drop temperatures as low as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit (-45 degrees Celsius) in some states. More than 170 million Americans are expected to be impacted by the storm.
Emergency declarations are already in effect in some communities. Empty grocery store shelves are being reported as residents stock up for the storm.
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Mapped: Nationwide temperature forecasts
The National Weather Service has released an updated map forecasting temperatures across the U.S.
Several states could see high temperatures in the negatives today. Wind chills could bring temperatures down as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit (-45 degrees Celsius) in some states this weekend.
'Widespread aviation hazards' expected today
“Widespread aviation hazards” are expected this afternoon as a damaging winter storm barrels across the U.S., according to the National Weather Service.
Many airports are expected to be impacted, and travelers are already experiencing delays and cancelations.
More than 1,800 flights into, out of or within the U.S. have been delayed so far on Friday, while nearly 500 flights have been canceled, according to FlightAware.
A major winter storm will begin impacting the central and southern U.S. today after 18Z. The AWC is expecting an increase in IFR conditions and aircraft icing as the storm progresses eastward. ☁️🧊
— NWS AWC (@NWSAWC) January 23, 2026
Check the latest G-AIRMETs at https://t.co/F9eMGR93dw. #Aviation #WinterStorm pic.twitter.com/tVmQVFxbxu
Trump warns of cold temperatures and questions global warming
President Donald Trump appeared to question the ongoing climate crisis in a Truth Social post shared Friday ahead of this weekend’s severe winter storm.
“Record Cold Wave expected to hit 40 States. Rarely seen anything like it before. Could the Environmental Insurrectionists please explain — WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING???” Trump wrote.
Experts say climate change can actually contribute to higher snow levels. This is because a warming atmosphere can lead to more water evaporation, and warmer air can also hold more moisture, according to the Environmental Defense Fund.
“That lays the foundation for more snow: When there’s more moisture in the air, that moisture can fall as snow when conditions are right, making snowstorms more intense,” the non-profit writes on its website.
Washington DC declares state of emergency
Washington, D.C., has declared a state of emergency as the nation’s capital braces for the upcoming winter storm.
Some areas of D.C. could see up to a foot of snow this weekend. Nearby areas, including western Maryland and northern Virginia, could see up to 18 inches of snow.
Texans brace for winter storm to impact power grid
There are growing concerns about how this weekend’s winter storm could impact the Texas power grid.
Just five years ago, a massive winter storm caused statewide blackouts. But officials are hoping this time is different, thanks to some new improvements to the power grid.
"Technically speaking, that means insulating pipes, valves, instruments so they don’t freeze, adding heat tracing, like electric heaters, on critical equipment, protecting sensors, control systems and weatherproofing," Matthew Boms, executive director of the Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance, told NBC News.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott also expressed optimism that the state’s power grid will remain strong.
"The ERCOT grid has never been stronger, never been more prepared and is fully capable of handling this winter storm," Abbott said Thursday. "There is no expectation whatsoever that there’s going to be any loss of power from the power grid."
University of Georgia tells students to go home for weekend
The University of Georgia is encouraging students to go home after their last class Friday to prepare for this weekend’s winter storm.
“Residence halls will remain open for students who choose to stay, but if there are power outages, water line breaks or other complications from the storm, University Housing may need to consolidate those who remain on campus into a limited number of temporary housing areas with emergency heat and meal services,” the school said in a statement.
Ice accumulation, freezing rain and sleet are expected in Georgia this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Stock up on non-perishable foods, experts warn
Ahead of this weekend’s severe winter storm, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is warning impacted residents to gather supplies.
“Think about what you may need to last several days if the power goes out and you can’t leave your location. Create an emergency kit and stock up now as stores or food pantries may run out of supplies,” the agency said in a Friday statement.
Essential items could include non-perishable food that doesn’t require refrigeration or cooking, bottled water, prescription medications, first-aid supplies, flashlights and power banks.
Grocery stores across the country are already running low on inventory as residents stock up for the storm.
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Viral hack claims a Whataburger cup could help save Texans’ pipes freezing during storm this weekend
As extreme weather hits Houston, locals are using a helpful hack to prevent frozen pipes.
The Whataburger Cup has become a legitimate last-resort option, according to deputies from Harris County Precinct 4.
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Whataburger cup could help save Texans’ pipes freezing during storm this weekend
No traditional snow day for NYC students
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he’s not expecting to fully close schools Monday in response to the upcoming winter storm.
Instead, schools will be open for either in-person or online classes, Mamdani told Spectrum News NY1.
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