Massive Winter Storm Targets 170 Million Across U.S./ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A powerful winter storm threatens over 170 million Americans with snow, ice, and extreme cold. From Texas to New England, freezing rain and sleet could cripple travel and power systems. Emergency declarations, school closures, and grid concerns highlight the storm’s nationwide impact.
Winter Storm Threatens U.S. – Quick Looks
- Over 170 million people across the U.S. affected
- Heavy snow, ice, and sleet from Texas to New England
- Widespread school closures and canceled flights
- States of emergency declared in Georgia and Mississippi
- Wind chills to drop to -50°F in Midwest
- Threat of power outages, road hazards, and infrastructure damage
- Freezing temperatures reaching as far south as Florida
- National Guard and utility crews on standby in multiple states
Deep Look: Winter Storm Threatens Over 170 Million Americans with Snow, Ice, and Deep Freeze
DALLAS (Jan. 23, 2026) — A colossal winter storm is sweeping across the United States, threatening a vast swath of the country with heavy snow, freezing rain, and life-threatening cold. The National Weather Service reports the storm could affect more than 170 million people, roughly half of the U.S. population, through the coming days.
Travel Disruption, School Closures, and Emergency Measures
From the Southern Rockies to New England, millions are preparing for a prolonged period of hazardous weather. In anticipation, over 800 flights across the U.S. were delayed or canceled by early Friday, with disruptions focused at major hubs like Dallas, Atlanta, and Oklahoma City, according to FlightAware.
In Oklahoma, transportation officials pretreated highways with salt brine, and the Highway Patrol canceled time off for troopers to increase patrol presence. The state is also deploying National Guard units to assist stranded motorists.
Oklahoma City Public Schools preemptively closed all classes and activities, while Houston ISD transitioned to remote learning amid forecasted icy conditions. Dallas schools remained open, but all after-school programs and weekend activities were canceled. Houston utility crews activated 3,300 workers to respond swiftly to storm-related outages.
“It’s all hands on deck,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire, urging residents to prepare for the worst.
Icy Blast to Span from Texas to Northeast
Meteorologists warn of a crippling ice storm that could stretch from Texas to the southeastern U.S., accompanied by over a foot of snow from Oklahoma to New York and Boston. Following the precipitation, arctic air will plunge wind chills as low as -50°F in parts of Minnesota and North Dakota.
In many areas, the impact of freezing rain and sleet could rival the devastation caused by hurricanes, with tree limbs and power lines expected to buckle under the weight of accumulated ice.
Schools in Chicago and Des Moines, Iowa closed as well, as dangerously low wind chills could cause frostbite within minutes.
Power Grid Concerns & Statewide Declarations
With memories fresh from the 2021 Texas freeze that left millions without power, state officials are assuring the public that the grid is stronger. Governor Greg Abbott stated confidently that such a failure “won’t happen again.”
Nevertheless, states are not taking chances. Georgia and Mississippi issued states of emergency, activating emergency services and requesting residents limit travel.
In Huntsville, Alabama, stores rapidly sold out of generators, and emergency shipments were being arranged. Store manager Bryan Hill reported that 95% of inquiries were generator-related.
Residents Stockpiling Supplies and Preparing for Power Loss
Across the South and Mid-Atlantic, residents are stockpiling essentials like bread, water, and batteries. In Toney, Alabama, Lindsay Sylvester said she bought supplies early, knowing that shelves would soon be empty. Her prediction was accurate—others reported local Walmart shelves stripped bare of milk, bread, and meat.
In North Carolina, the largest school district instructed teachers to prepare three days’ worth of online or paper assignments, anticipating extended building closures. In Virginia, newly inaugurated Governor Abigail Spanberger warned of possible multi-day outages and urged residents to prepare thoroughly—while reassuring that immigration status should not deter anyone from calling 911 in an emergency.
Infrastructure Risks & Ongoing Monitoring
The threat to infrastructure is severe. Ice buildup can add hundreds of pounds to power lines and tree limbs, especially dangerous when accompanied by wind. With bitter cold expected to linger well into the following week, the thaw will be slow, prolonging dangerous conditions.
Even Florida is expected to experience below-freezing temperatures, a rare and troubling forecast for the southeastern tip of the country.
At a busy grocery store in Dallas, shoppers Kennedi Mallard and Frank Green were loading up on supplies. Inside, they said, many essentials were already gone.
“No water, no eggs, no butter, no ground meat,” Green said, summing up the urgency many Americans now feel.
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