Key Takeaways
- A fierce winter storm is sweeping into the West, bringing freezing rain, snow, and sub-zero temperatures.
- The storm is expected to move over the country on January 24 and 25, with deep ice accumulations, up to a foot of snow or more, and sub-zero temperatures.
- The National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center has warned of "crippling" ice and "extreme events" with power outages and long-lasting impacts to travel.
- Freezing rain and ice are expected to have catastrophic impacts along two corridors, one from Texas into Kentucky, and another from Georgia into Virginia.
- Snowfall forecasts are predicting significant accumulation, with chances of snowfall varying depending on the storm’s track and temperature layers in the atmosphere.
Introduction to the Winter Storm
A fierce winter storm swept into the West on Friday, January 23, 2026, bringing with it freezing rain and snow, while a blast of polar air helped send temperatures plunging as low as minus 58 degrees in the Northern Plains. The storm is expected to move over the country on January 24 and 25, with locations scattered along its path expected to see deep ice accumulations, up to a foot of snow or more, and sub-zero temperatures, according to a forecast from the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center. This storm has the potential to bring significant disruptions to daily life, with the weather service warning of "crippling" ice and "extreme events" with power outages and long-lasting impacts to travel.
Forecast Maps and Storm Track
The National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center has released forecast maps, which can be viewed below, showing the expected path of the storm and the areas that will be most affected. The maps show two corridors where freezing rain and ice are expected to have significant impacts, one from Texas into Kentucky, and another from Georgia into Virginia. The weather service is using words like "catastrophic" and "crippling" to describe the impacts of freezing rain and ice in these areas. The storm’s track and the layers of temperature in the atmosphere will determine the exact amount of snow and ice that will fall, but the forecast is predicting significant accumulation.
Snowfall and Ice Accumulation
The official forecast for expected snow through January 26 is predicting significant accumulation, with some areas expected to see up to a foot of snow or more. The chances of snow accumulation vary depending on the storm’s track and the layers of temperature in the atmosphere. However, the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center is warning that the ice could be "crippling" in some locations and sleet could bring an "extreme event" with power outages and long-lasting impacts to travel. The freezing rain and ice are expected to have catastrophic impacts along the two corridors, with the potential for significant disruptions to daily life.
Impacts of the Winter Storm
The winter storm has the potential to bring significant disruptions to daily life, with power outages and long-lasting impacts to travel. The freezing rain and ice are expected to make roads and sidewalks slippery and hazardous, making it difficult to travel. The storm is also expected to bring sub-zero temperatures, which can be life-threatening if proper precautions are not taken. The National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center is warning people to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the storm, including staying indoors and avoiding travel unless absolutely necessary.
Conclusion and Preparations
In conclusion, the winter storm sweeping into the West has the potential to bring significant disruptions to daily life. The National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center is warning of "crippling" ice and "extreme events" with power outages and long-lasting impacts to travel. It is essential to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the storm, including staying indoors and avoiding travel unless absolutely necessary. By staying informed and taking the necessary precautions, people can minimize the risks associated with the storm and stay safe until it passes.
