At a Glance
- A winter storm will sweep from the southern Plains to the Northeast Friday through Monday
- Heavy snow of 8-14 inches is forecast for Oklahoma City, 6-12 inches for Little Rock, and 5-10 inches for Amarillo
- Wind chills could drop to 40-50 below zero in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes
- More than 50 record low temperatures are possible from Sunday to Tuesday
- Why it matters: Millions face travel shutdowns, power outages, and life-threatening cold
A major winter storm will roar across the United States this weekend, burying cities under heavy snow and plunging temperatures to record-breaking lows from Texas to New York.
Snowfall Forecasts
Eastern areas still lack precise totals, but Memphis, Nashville, Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City are all in the bullseye for heavy snow.
Further west, the National Weather Service is calling for:
- 8 to 14 inches in Oklahoma City
- 6 to 12 inches in Little Rock, Arkansas
- 5 to 10 inches in Amarillo, Texas
Extreme Cold Threat
The storm will be followed by a long-duration extreme cold event. Power outages could leave residents without heat for several days.
Wind chill values:
- 40 to 50 below zero across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes
- Single digits to 10 below zero along the Gulf Coast
More than 50 record low temperatures are possible from Sunday through Tuesday. Texas and the Deep South face the greatest risk.
Cities like Dallas may stay below freezing for over 48 consecutive hours. Chicago could see the same stretch with temperatures under 10°F.
Texas Prepares Again
Memories of the 2021 Texas winter storm-when frozen generators and surging demand left millions without power-loom large.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott activated emergency response resources on Tuesday night. Agencies will:
- Pre-treat and treat roads
- Provide warming center maps
- Stand up National Guard units for stranded drivers
- Monitor utilities and fuel supplies
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas said grid conditions are expected to remain normal, but residents can monitor updates via social media and the agency’s app.
Southeast Ice Risk
Georgia and the Carolinas will face ice storms Saturday through the weekend. Wind chills along the Gulf Coast could hit -10°F.
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein urged residents to finish storm preparations by Friday night. The state transportation department will pre-treat roads, while emergency officials recommend stocking:
- Gallon jugs of water
- Non-perishable food
- Pet supplies
- Battery backups and flashlights
- First aid kits
- Winter clothing and blankets
Northeast Braces
Snow totals for Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City remain uncertain, but the storm arrives Sunday into Monday.
New York City Emergency Management advises households to:
- Winterize go bags with blankets, gloves, and warm socks
- Prepare seven-day emergency kits
- Stock rock salt or cat litter for traction
- Allow faucets to drip to prevent freezing
- Charge devices and keep flashlights handy
Safety Reminders
Authorities across affected states stress:
- Never run generators inside homes or garages
- Keep generators 20 feet from structures
- Check on neighbors during and after the storm
- Stay off roads once conditions deteriorate
The sprawling storm system will make travel “unlikely to impossible” across wide swaths of the country. Residents should complete all preparations by Friday night and monitor local forecasts for updates.
