“`html
Major Winter Storm Impacts Central US: Travel Disruptions and Emergency Declarations
Published: 2026/01/24 09:10:48
Overview of the Winter Storm
A meaningful winter storm is currently sweeping across a large portion of the United States, bringing with it frigid temperatures, heavy snowfall, and dangerous ice accumulations.The storm, wich began impacting the region on Friday, is expected to continue through the weekend, causing widespread travel disruptions and prompting emergency declarations in over a dozen states. The affected area stretches from Texas to Massachusetts, with varying conditions depending on location.
Regional Impacts and Forecasts
Southern States: Ice and Mixed Precipitation
Texas, along with parts of the South, the Carolinas, and Virginia, are bracing for a mix of precipitation, including sleet and freezing rain. This poses a significant risk of hazardous travel conditions due to icy roads and potential power outages from ice accumulation on power lines. Accumulations of ice are predicted to be severe to catastrophic in some areas, possibly leading to prolonged electricity disruptions and dangerous conditions for residents.
Midwest and Northeast: Heavy Snowfall
From Oklahoma through Massachusetts, states are anticipating ample snowfall. Some areas could receive up to one foot of snow. The combination of heavy snow and strong winds will create blizzard-like conditions, reducing visibility and making travel extremely hazardous. Winter Storm Ezra, which impacted the Midwest in late December 2025, serves as a recent example of the disruptive power of these storms [[2]].
