Winter storm to impact at least 180 million across southern, eastern US

Al JazeeraCenterEN 3 min read 100% complete by News Agencies,Al Jazeera StaffJanuary 23, 2026 at 05:51 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

A winter storm is forecast to impact over 180 million people across the southern and eastern United States, beginning in the Southern Rockies on Friday, January 23, 2026, and extending through the Northeast over the weekend. The storm is expected to bring heavy snow, freezing rain, and sleet, leading to dangerous travel conditions and potential power outages. At least 14 states, from Alabama to New York, have declared a state of emergency in preparation. Over 800 flights have already been delayed or canceled. Following the storm, a blast of arctic air is expected, bringing potentially record-breaking wind chills as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

FlightAware 30% Kathy Hochul 40% Houston 40% John Whitmire 40% Washington, DC 40% Southern Rockies 50% Northeast ×260% Texas ×260% New York ×260% Oklahoma ×360% National Weather Service ×270% United States ×390%

Keywords

winter storm 100% freezing rain 80% snow 80% travel delays 70% state of emergency 70% cold weather 60% icy conditions 60% flight cancellations 50% national weather service 50%