Story perspectives

DHS Advises Against 'Ice' Term Amid Winter Storm Warnings

1/23/2026

46 7

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials instructed Federal Emergency Management Agency staff to avoid the term 'ice' in messaging about a winter storm to prevent confusion with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
They urged using phrases like 'freezing rain' instead.
The storm could affect nearly three dozen states from Texas to New England, with disruptions.
Hundreds of thousands could face power losses from damage to the electrical grid.

1 of 1

Story summary

U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials instructed Federal Emergency Management Agency staff to avoid the term 'ice' in messaging about a winter storm to prevent confusion with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
They urged using phrases like 'freezing rain' instead.
The storm could affect nearly three dozen states from Texas to New England, with disruptions.
Hundreds of thousands could face power losses from damage to the electrical grid.