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Millions of Americans are expected to face heavy snow, ice and freezing temperatures
Katie Hawkinson in Washington, D.C. Saturday 24 January 2026 23:03 GMT- Bookmark
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More than 4,000 flights were delayed or canceled on Friday as the nation braced for an “unusually large and severe” winter storm that threatened more than 170 million Americans.
Travel delays continued on Saturday asthe storm travelled from the Southern Rockies to toward the East Coast, according to the National Weather Service. School and office closures were reported across the country while residents prepared for the storm.
Several states expected to face heavy snowfall, ice and freezing temperatures. Wind chills were predicted to drop to temperatures as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit (-45 degrees Celsius) in some states.
Oklahoma, Kansas, Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia, were forecast to see up to a foot of snow, according to the service. Major East Coast cities, including Boston, New York City and Washington, D.C., were predicted to also see 12 inches or more.
Tree damage from widespread ice accumulation — leading to possible widespread power outages — and were predicted to produce “extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions,” according to the service.
Emergency declarations were in effect in some communities, and empty grocery store shelves were reported as residents stocked up for the storm.
Key Points
- Winter storm threatens more than 170 million Americans
- Groceries fly off shelves as residents stock up for storm
- Some 4,000 flights delayed or canceled across U.S. today
- Forecast: Some East Coast cities could see a foot of snow or more
- Trump questions 'global warming' ahead of storm, but experts say climate change can intensify snowfall
Live blog coverage paused
The Independent’s live coverage of the winter storm has paused for the evening. Stay with The Independent for more breaking news.
Read moreGraig Graziosi24 January 2026 23:02Winter storm threatens U.S.
A massive winter storm is expected to bring “heavy snow and crippling ice” to more than 170 million Americans starting today.
Here’s what to know from the National Weather Service:
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Key warnings for the winter storm expected to impact millions in the U.S. (National Weather Service)Katie Hawkinson23 January 2026 14:52How to prepare for the 'severe' winter storm
The National Weather Service is warning residents to prepare for “widespread heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain” from the Southern Rockies to New England this weekend.
The day before the storm is set to arrive, the NWS suggests residents adjust their plans, ensure they have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and bring their pets inside.
On the day of the storm, residents should remain vigilant and drive only if necessary, the agency said.
Other key tips include checking on neighbors and loved ones, properly ventilating emergency heaters and keeping power generators at least 20 feet away from a home.
Katie Hawkinson23 January 2026 14:59A significant, long-duration winter storm will bring widespread heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain from the Southern Rockies to New England through Monday. Widespread travel disruptions, prolonged power outages, and vast tree damage is likely.There is still time to prepare… pic.twitter.com/ZoiSRrbjXx
— National Weather Service (@NWS) January 23, 2026
Groceries fly off shelves as residents stock up for storm
Groceries are flying off the shelves across the country as residents stock up for the winter storm.
A customer walks past an empty shelf ahead of a winter storm in Nashville, Tennessee (AP)
A customer with a full cart walks past an empty shelf at a Walmart in Little Rock, Arkansas ahead of the winter storm (Getty Images)Katie Hawkinson23 January 2026 15:07Flight delays and cancelations begin as winter storm threatens travel nationwide
This weekend’s winter storm is expected to cause “widespread travel disruptions.”
Some areas could even see “extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions” thanks to heavy snow, ice and freezing temperatures.
Flight delays and cancelations have already begun, according to FlightAware.
More than 900 flights into, out of or within the U.S. have been delayed so far Friday, while more than 400 flights have been canceled.
Katie Hawkinson23 January 2026 15:10Forecast: Some states could see a foot of snow or more
Localized areas in several states could see a foot of snow or more as a devastating winter storm tears through the country.
Areas in Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Virginia and West Virginia are among those that could see up to 12 inches of snow this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Major East Coast cities, including New York City and Boston, could also see a foot or more of snow.
See the agency’s full forecast below:
Areas in several states could see a foot of snow or more this weekend (National Weather Service)Katie Hawkinson23 January 2026 15:23More than a dozen states declare emergency
More than a dozen states have declared a state of emergency as a powerful winter storm threatens millions of Americans.
These states include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
A car drives on a road in Tennessee treated with salt brine ahead of a devastating winter storm (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)Katie Hawkinson23 January 2026 15:33Chicago Public Schools cancels class
Chicago Public Schools has canceled class Friday as the region prepares for “frigid temperatures” and wind chills that could reach minus 35 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 37 degrees Celsius).
“There will be no remote learning for students tomorrow — Friday, January 23. We expect that classes will resume for all students on Monday, January 26,” the school district said in a statement.
Katie Hawkinson23 January 2026 15:38Animal rescue rushes to save over 200 dogs before winter storm hits the US
Officials are rushing to rescue hundreds of dogs in Mississippi ahead of this weekend’s severe winter storm.
Read the full story below:
Animal rescue rushes to save over 200 dogs before winter storm hits the US
By Thursday evening, approximately 60 dogs had been taken in by nine different shelters, while Paws of War dispatched several trucks to transport 45 dogs back to NYKatie Hawkinson23 January 2026 15:51Basketball games rescheduled nationwide
An NBA game and dozens of college basketball games have been rescheduled across the U.S. as a devastating winter storm approaches, according to the Associated Press.
This includes the Washington Wizards game against the Charlotte Hornets, which has been rescheduled from 6 p.m. to noon on Saturday.
Katie Hawkinson23 January 2026 16:01Older1 / 6NewerMore about
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