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Severe Winter Storm to Blanket 170 Million Americans

1/24/2026

Center

Winter Storm Impact

A major winter storm is forecast to impact over 170 million Americans from January 23 to January 26, 2026, across a 2,000-mile corridor from Texas to the Northeast.
Snowfall is forecast to range from 6 to 18 inches across regions.
Ice accumulation is significant, particularly in the Southern Plains and Mid-Atlantic.
Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia have declared states of emergency.
Travel disruptions, including flight cancellations, are anticipated.

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New Hampshire Storm Warning

A winter storm is forecast to impact New Hampshire from January 25 to January 26, 2026, with travel disruption due to hazardous road conditions.
The National Weather Service predicts up to a foot of snow in southern New Hampshire and 8–11 inches in central areas.
Wind chills may reach -40 degrees, triggering cold weather advisories.
Residents are advised to stay indoors and take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia.

History

Historical Context

The Great Blizzard of 1888, occurring from March 11 to 14, paralyzed the Eastern United States, causing over 400 deaths and dropping up to 55 inches of snow in cities like New York and Boston. This catastrophic event highlighted vulnerabilities in infrastructure, leading to significant changes in emergency preparedness and weather forecasting, as well as the eventual development of underground transportation systems.

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Winter Storm Impact

A major winter storm is forecast to impact over 170 million Americans from January 23 to January 26, 2026, across a 2,000-mile corridor from Texas to the Northeast.
Snowfall is forecast to range from 6 to 18 inches across regions.
Ice accumulation is significant, particularly in the Southern Plains and Mid-Atlantic.
Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia have declared states of emergency.
Travel disruptions, including flight cancellations, are anticipated.

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