A sprawling 2,300-mile winter storm is forecast to bring snow, freezing rain and dangerous ice across much of the U.S., prompting at least 18 states to declare emergencies and more than 190 million people to be placed under winter weather alerts. Arkansas activated the National Guard and pretreated roughly 90% of highways ahead of the storm. National Weather Service Director Ken Graham warned ice could be "catastrophic" in some areas, and officials urged residents to prepare supplies, avoid travel, use generators safely and check on vulnerable neighbors.
Millions Under Alert As Massive 2,300-Mile Winter Storm Threatens Ice, Snow and Power Outages
Motorists travel along Interstate 40 during a winter storm in Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 24, 2026.(AP Newsroom)
A powerful winter storm stretching roughly 2,300 miles is sweeping across the United States, bringing snow, sleet and dangerous ice that officials warn could be life-threatening in some areas. Federal and state leaders have declared emergencies, mobilized resources and urged residents to prepare now.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders attends an event on natural disaster preparedness with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., June 10, 2025.
State Responses and Local Preparations
At least 18 states — including New York, Kentucky, Georgia and Texas — have declared states of emergency. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders activated the National Guard and said road crews had pretreated about 90% of state highways ahead of the storm.
Ken Graham, director of NOAA’s National Weather Service, speaks at a news conference on Hurricane Ian at FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C., Sept. 28, 2022.
“We’re continuing to encourage every Arkansan to stay off the roads and to really take this storm seriously,” Sanders said on Fox & Friends Weekend.
Scope And Dangers
More than 190 million people are under some form of winter-weather alert, a record number of U.S. counties simultaneously covered by winter storm warnings. National Weather Service Director Ken Graham described the system as covering a "staggering amount of distance" and warned that ice could be especially destructive.
A Nashville Department of Transportation truck applies salt brine to a roadway in Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 22, 2026.
“It’s a catastrophic situation for certain areas,” Graham said, noting that heavy ice can bring down trees and local power lines.
Impacts And Safety Advice
Snow and ice have already triggered power outages in portions of the country, and damage to distribution lines or fallen trees could leave some neighborhoods without electricity for days. Officials emphasized correct generator use and other safety steps to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and electrocution.
Recommended preparations:
- Stock up on nonperishable food, water and medicines for several days.
- Arrange safe, secondary heating sources and ensure carbon monoxide detectors are working.
- Avoid unnecessary travel — stay off roads until crews can clear and treat surfaces.
- Use portable generators safely, follow manufacturer instructions, and never run generators indoors.
- Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors and make communication plans with family members.
Federal Support And Travel Disruptions
President Donald Trump said the federal government is ready to respond and that FEMA is prepared to assist state and local officials. Thousands of flights were canceled as the storm affected major hubs across the country.
Officials continue to monitor the storm’s progress and urge people to follow weather alerts, heed evacuation or road-closure orders, and prepare for rapidly changing conditions.
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