Major Winter Storm Barrels Across U.S.: Up to 24 Inches of Snow Forecast in 72-Hour Onslaught
January 24, 2026
A massive winter storm is poised to unleash heavy snow, freezing rain, and sleet across more than 2,000 miles of the United States this weekend, with snowfall totals potentially reaching 24 inches in some areas. The slow-moving system, tracked by the National Weather Service, begins impacting the Southern Plains on Friday, advances into the Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys on Saturday, and slams the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic by Sunday into Monday.[1]
Widespread Watches and Emergency Declarations
Winter storm watches and warnings blanket a sprawling region from Texas to the Eastern Seaboard, prompting more than a dozen states to declare states of emergency. Forecasters warn of significant travel disruptions, power outages, and hazardous conditions due to ice accumulation, particularly in the Southern Plains and Southeast.[1]
The storm’s path exploits a dynamic frontal boundary, maximizing heavy snowfall rates in the southern Appalachians, eastern Kentucky, Virginia, and extending into the DC, New Jersey, and Northeast areas. Live forecast discussions highlight Saturday into Sunday as the peak period for intense snow bands, with sleet mixing in across Tennessee and the Carolinas.[2]
Regional Forecasts: Snow and Ice Threats Detailed
In the Southern Plains, Oklahoma City faces 18-22 inches of snow, Tulsa 18-20 inches, Amarillo, Texas, 12-14 inches, and Little Rock, Arkansas, up to 12 inches. Dallas contends primarily with ice and sleet, plus a few inches of snow. Ice concerns escalate across Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, and the Carolinas, where up to an inch or more could accumulate.[1]
The Ohio Valley braces for Columbus and Indianapolis receiving up to 12 inches, Louisville, Kentucky, as much as 22 inches, Pittsburgh a foot or more, and St. Louis 7-14 inches.[1]
Further east, the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic expect Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia to see 10-14 inches, Boston 12-18 inches, and New York City 10-18 inches.[1]
Broader Context in a La Niña Winter
This storm unfolds amid a 2025-26 North American winter influenced by a weak La Niña pattern, favored to persist through December-February with a 51% chance, transitioning to ENSO-neutral by January-March 2026 at 61% probability. Weak La Niña episodes historically bring variable snowfall, with predictable jet stream shifts affecting U.S. precipitation patterns.[3]
January 2026 has already seen intense activity, including a late-month storm targeting coastal Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan with 9-12 inches of snow at rates up to 2-3 inches per hour. Earlier systems dumped 6-12 inches across the Ohio Valley, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic, with notable ice in the Delmarva region and flight chaos from prior events.[4]
Impacts and Preparations
- Travel Disruptions: Airlines are bracing for thousands of delays and cancellations, echoing recent storms that grounded over 8,700 flights.
- Power Outages: Ice buildup threatens downed lines, especially in the South where accumulations exceed 0.5 inches.
- Emergency Measures: States from Texas to Maine activate snow removal, shelters, and road treatments.
- High-Risk Areas: Focus on heavy snow bands along the frontal genesis zone for rates exceeding 2 inches per hour.[2]
Residents are urged to monitor live maps like the PBS 72-hour snowfall forecast for real-time updates. The National Weather Service emphasizes staying off roads during peak impacts and preparing for prolonged cold following the storm.[1]
“This is a high-impact event spanning multiple climate zones, from Plains snow to East Coast nor’easter potential,” noted forecasters in a live discussion.[2]
Historical Parallels and Long-Term Outlook
Comparable to past La Niña-driven winters, this storm aligns with trends of enhanced snowfall in the northern and eastern U.S., tempered by the weak intensity of the current ENSO phase. Historical data from 1959-2024 shows weak La Niñas yielding above-average January-March snow in key regions, minus long-term trends.[3]
As the system evolves, coastal redevelopment off the Delmarva Peninsula could amplify Northeast totals, mirroring December patterns with 6-12 inch swaths.[4]
Authorities recommend emergency kits, generator safety, and avoiding travel until plows clear major arteries. With the storm’s footprint rivaling recent high-impact events, communities from Oklahoma to Boston prepare for a whiteout weekend.