At a Glance
- A major winter storm will sweep from the southern Plains to the Northeast from Friday to Monday.
- 8 to 14 inches of snow is forecast for Oklahoma City, 6 to 12 inches for Little Rock, and 5 to 10 inches for Amarillo.
- More than 50 record lows are possible from Sunday to Tuesday, with Texas and southern states most at risk.
- Wind chills could drop to 40-50 below zero in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes.
Why it matters: Power outages during sub-zero conditions could leave millions without heat for days.
A powerful winter storm will blanket much of the United States this weekend, dumping heavy snow, ice, and life-threatening cold from Texas to the Northeast. The system begins Friday in the southern Plains and spreads east through Monday, threatening travel, straining power grids, and setting the stage for more than 50 record-low temperatures.
Snowfall Forecast
Western areas face the highest totals:
- Oklahoma City: 8-14 inches
- Little Rock, Arkansas: 6-12 inches
- Amarillo, Texas: 5-10 inches
East of the Mississippi, totals remain uncertain, but heavy snow is expected in Memphis, Nashville, Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City.
Extreme Cold Risk
A long-duration freeze will follow the storm. Those who lose power may endure several days of below-freezing temperatures.
Wind-chill values:
- Upper Midwest/Great Lakes: -40 °F to -50 °F
- Texas and Gulf Coast: single digits to -10 °F
More than 50 record lows are possible from Sunday to Tuesday. Dallas could stay below freezing for over 48 hours; Chicago could remain below 10 °F for the same stretch.
Texas Prepares for Repeat of 2021
The impending deep freeze evokes memories of the February 2021 storm that left millions without power after generators failed and demand overwhelmed the grid.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has activated emergency resources:
- Department of Transportation: pre-treat roads, manage traffic
- Division of Emergency Management: warming-center maps
- National Guard: rescue stranded drivers
- Additional agencies: clear snow, monitor utilities, gas supplies, air and water quality
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) says grid conditions are currently expected to remain normal, but residents should monitor social media and the ERCOT app for updates.
Southeast Faces Ice and Single-Digit Wind Chills
Ice storms will grip Georgia and the Carolinas through the weekend. Along the Gulf Coast, wind chills could hit -10 °F, putting Memphis and St. Louis at risk for frozen pipes.
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein urged residents to finish storm preparations by Friday night and stay off roads all weekend. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety warns against running generators indoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Emergency-kit essentials:
- Gallon jugs of water
- Non-perishable food and pet supplies
- Flashlights, batteries, battery backups
- Cell-phone chargers, radios
- Winter clothing, blankets, first-aid kit
Atlanta will not ask residents to evacuate; officials emphasize staying home and monitoring reliable information sources.
Northeast Braces for Sunday-Monday Impact
Snow totals remain unclear, but Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City will feel the storm’s full force Sunday into Monday.
New York City Emergency Management advises:
- Create a household disaster plan
- Winterize go bags with blankets, warm socks, gloves
- Stock seven-day emergency supplies
- Repair home leaks, clean gutters
- Check smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors
- Allow faucets to drip to prevent freezing
- Charge devices and set fridge/freezer to colder settings
- Use rock salt or cat litter for walkway traction
Key Takeaways
- Heavy snow starts Friday in Oklahoma and Texas, then spreads east.
- Record cold will follow, with wind chills below -40 °F in the north and near -10 °F on the Gulf Coast.
- Power outages could last days; warming centers and generator safety are critical.
- Travel will become dangerous or impossible across the South and Mid-Atlantic.
- Preparation windows close by Friday night in many states-stock supplies now.
