At a Glance
- A sprawling winter storm will sweep from the southern Plains to the Northeast Friday through Monday.
- Up to 14 inches of snow is forecast for Oklahoma City, with heavy snow also expected in Memphis, Nashville, Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City.
- More than 50 record lows are possible Sunday-Tuesday, with wind chills plunging to 50 below zero in the Upper Midwest and single digits along the Gulf Coast.
- Texas has activated emergency teams; North Carolina and Georgia urge residents to finish storm preparations by Friday night.
Why it matters: Bitter cold, power-loss risk, and impossible travel conditions threaten millions across a dozen states.
A major winter storm will roar across the United States this weekend, delivering heavy snow, sleet, ice, and life-threatening cold from the southern Plains to the Northeast. Forecasters warn that snowfall totals east of the Mississippi remain uncertain, but significant accumulations are expected in several major metros. Farther west, Oklahoma City could see 8 to 14 inches of snow, Little Rock 6 to 12 inches, and Amarillo 5 to 10 inches.
Deep Freeze Follows Snow
An extreme cold snap will grip the nation during and after the storm. Areas that lose electricity may face multiple days of sub-freezing temperatures. Wind chills of 40 to 50 below zero are possible in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, while Texas and the Gulf Coast could feel like 10 below zero. More than 50 record lows are forecast from Sunday through Tuesday, with Texas and surrounding southern states most vulnerable.
Dallas may stay below freezing for more than 48 consecutive hours, and Chicago could endure the same stretch with temperatures under 10°F. The scenario revives memories of Texas’s 2021 winter crisis, when frozen infrastructure left millions without power.
Southern Plains First to Feel Impact
The storm will develop over Texas and Oklahoma on Friday, making travel unlikely or impossible. Heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain are expected before frigid air locks in. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has activated the state’s emergency response resources:
- Department of Transportation crews will pre-treat roads and manage traffic.
- Emergency Management will post warming-center maps.
- The National Guard stands ready to rescue stranded drivers.
- Additional teams will monitor utilities, natural gas supplies, and environmental safety.
Abbott urged Texans to monitor alerts and avoid non-essential travel. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which operates the state grid, said Wednesday that conditions remain normal but will be tracked via social media and its mobile app.
Ice Threat Across Southeast
On Saturday the storm will spread ice through Georgia and the Carolinas. Wind chills along the Gulf Coast may dip to -10°F, putting pipes at risk in cities such as Memphis and St. Louis.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein advised residents on Tuesday to prepare for power outages by stocking batteries, food, and drinks. Transportation officials say roads could be impassable all weekend and recommend finishing preparations by Friday night. Emergency kits should include:
- Flashlights, spare batteries, and battery backups
- Gallon jugs of water and non-perishable food
- Pet supplies, chargers, radios, blankets, and a first-aid kit
Officials warned never to run generators inside homes or garages due to carbon monoxide dangers.
Georgia’s Emergency Management Agency recommends finalizing plans the day before the storm:
- Check updated forecasts and adjust travel.
- Verify multiple ways to receive warnings.
- Bring pets indoors and ensure adequate water.
Once conditions deteriorate, Georgians should check on neighbors, vent heating sources, keep generators 20 feet from structures, and pace themselves when shoveling.
Heavy Snow Eyes Northeast
The storm will reach Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City Sunday into Monday. Exact snow totals remain unclear, but widespread disruption is likely.
New York City Emergency Management advises residents to:
- Create a household disaster plan.
- Winterize go bags with blankets, gloves, and warm socks.
- Stock a seven-day supply kit including a battery-powered radio.
- Repair leaks, clean gutters, and check smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms.
- Allow faucets to drip to prevent freezing pipes.
- Charge devices and set refrigerators to colder settings to preserve food if power fails.
Key Takeaways
- Heavy snow and paralyzing cold will affect millions from Oklahoma to New York.
- Power outages amid sub-zero wind chills pose serious safety risks.
- Southern states unaccustomed to prolonged freezes face the greatest threat of record cold.
- Officials urge completing preparations by Friday night and staying off roads once the storm arrives.
