Snow, ice and subzero temperatures to sweep across US this weekend

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Marina DunbarJanuary 21, 2026 at 06:34 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

A major winter storm is forecast to impact over 200 million people across the US, stretching nearly 2,000 miles from the Southwest to the East Coast, beginning Friday and lasting into early next week. The storm will bring snow, ice, and subzero temperatures, potentially disrupting travel, causing power outages, and downing trees and power lines. Major cities from Dallas to New York are expected to be affected, with some areas facing over a foot of snow and others dealing with severe ice accumulation. The storm is predicted to peak on Sunday, with over half the contiguous US experiencing winter precipitation. The extreme cold, driven by a southward plunge of the polar vortex, will combine with moisture to create a powerful and potentially dangerous weather event.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Norfolk 50% Charlotte 50% Washington 50% Memphis 50% Nashville 50% St Louis 50% Indianapolis 50% Louisville 50% Dallas 60% Oklahoma City ×260% Eric Webb 70% United States ×290%

Keywords

winter storm 100% snow 80% ice 80% subzero temperatures 70% extreme cold 70% power outages 60% polar vortex 50% travel disruption 50% great lakes 40% new england 40%