01/22/2026
Winter Storm Bringing Widespread Disruptions Friday Through the Weekend - Heavy Snow, Significant Ice Accumulation, and Severe Arctic Cold are coming!
Buffalo Computer Graphics (BCG) is monitoring a sprawling, potentially historic winter storm this weekend, which is expected to affect more than 150-175 million people across 20-30+ states, stretching from the Southwest and southern Plains through the South, Tennessee Valley, Mid Atlantic, and into the Northeast. BCG is reaching out to ask our contacts what their planned status will be over the weekend, so we may plan for any requests and or resources required.
For BCG Support for your organization, please call 716-822-8668 or https://www.buffalocomputergraphics.com/im/services/customersupport
Major impacts based on this morning’s forecast depending on the track and where the sleet/freezing rain and snow line set up:
Heavy Snowfall
• Widespread heavy snow from Texas through the Mid Atlantic into New England, with many regions expecting 6-12+ inches. Some areas in the Mid Atlantic/Interior Northeast could receive up to 24 inches depending on the track.
• Cities like Dallas, Oklahoma City, Nashville, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston may see significant snow accumulations.
Significant Ice Accumulation
• A corridor from Texas through Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and the Carolinas through the Delmarva Peninsula faces the greatest risk of hazardous freezing rain and sleet, leading to downed trees, damaged infrastructure, and widespread power outages. Historic ice accumulations may set up in some of these areas with prolonged power outages coupled with extended periods of near freezing weather.
• Ice amounts of 0.2-0.5 inches are possible, enough to bring down power lines and severely impact travel. Some models are even suggesting over an inch of ice in the most prolific bands.
Severe Arctic Cold
• An Arctic air mass trailing the storm will drive temperatures well below normal across much of the central and eastern U.S.
• Wind chills of -40 to -50°F are possible in parts of the Upper Midwest with single digit or subzero temperatures expected across wide regions. Extreme cold will be in place in many places over the next 7–14-day period.
Widespread Travel Disruptions
• Air travel: Major airlines (Delta, American, United, Southwest) have issued waivers and warn of significant flight cancellations and delays across 30-40+ airports from the South through the Northeast.
• Road travel: Treacherous and at times impossible driving conditions on major interstates (I 10, I 20, I 30, I 35, I 40, I 44, I 49, I 55). Officials discourage travel and recommend emergency kits for necessary trips.
Power Outages and Infrastructure Strain
• Heavy ice and brutal cold increase the likelihood of long duration power outages, especially in regions unaccustomed to severe icing (South and Southeast).
• Lack of heating due to outages may create dangerous indoor conditions, especially during prolonged Arctic cold.
Localized Regional Impacts
• South (TX-OK-AR-TN-Carolinas-Delmarva Peninsula): Highest risk for catastrophic ice, dangerous cold, road closures, and infrastructure stress.
• Ohio Valley & Midwest: 2-10+ inches of snow, subzero wind chills, and hazardous conditions.
• Northeast (NY-NJ-PA-RI-MA): Heavy snow likely, with some areas expecting 6-12 inches or more, plus Arctic cold prolonging impacts into early next week.
To learn more about getting BCG Support for your organization, please reach out to DLAN Support by calling 716-822-8668 or https://www.buffalocomputergraphics.com/im/services/customersupport
