US braces for 'extremely dangerous' winter storm

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete January 23, 2026 at 01:08 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

A winter storm is expected to impact over 160 million Americans, with heavy snows and freezing rains forecasted from Friday across much of the United States. The National Weather Service has warned that "extremely dangerous" conditions are anticipated, including sub-zero temperatures and wind chills posing a life-threatening risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Cities such as Memphis, Nashville, Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York can expect heavy snowfall, with some areas predicted to receive over a foot of snow. Governors in several states have declared states of emergency, while airlines are offering flight changes without extra fees due to concerns about cancellations. Travel is expected to be nearly impossible during the peak of the storm, with motorists advised to avoid driving across the weekend. The storm is forecast to move slowly eastwards from the High Plains and Rockies.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

West Virginia 40% Boston 40% Memphis 40% Nashville 40% Washington DC 40% Baltimore 40% Philadelphia 40% New York 40% Colorado 40% Rich Otto 50% National Weather Service (NWS) ×480% United States ×690%

Keywords

winter storm 100% heavy snow 80% freezing rain 70% travel disruption 70% sub-zero temperatures 60% wind chills 60% hypothermia 50% frostbite 50% states of emergency 50% national weather service 40%