Severe Winter Storm Expected to Hit Texas and Oklahoma

Sat Jan 24 2026 02:01:20 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A massive winter storm is forecast to bring heavy snow and ice, leading to potentially dangerous conditions across the eastern United States, warning officials caution residents.

Texas and Oklahoma are preparing for a major winter storm that could bring heavy snow, ice, and freezing rain, creating hazardous conditions. Utility companies and state agencies are on high alert, while schools in affected areas are canceled. Governors have declared emergencies as the storm's impact is expected to extend through the eastern U.S.

DALLAS (AP) — Texas and Oklahoma braced for heavy snow and ice that could make roadways treacherous Friday as forecasters predict the storm to have serious impacts across the eastern United States.

Utility companies have mobilized workers, and agencies in both states have taken preparations by pre-treating roads and stocking supplies. Freezing rain and sleet is expected to strike New Mexico, extending the storm's reach.

The storm can bring a crippling ice storm from Texas through parts of the South, potentially a foot of snow from Oklahoma to Washington D.C., New York, and Boston, and usher in a blast of bitterly cold air.

Governor Greg Abbott assured that the power system is stronger than in the past and urged residents to prepare for potential dangers, as the sedative cold front squeezes down from Canada.

In Chicago and Des Moines, schools canceled classes with visible frostbite risks anticipated from extreme wind chills, indicating hazardous conditions are directly affecting transportation and public safety.

In anticipation of the storm, retailers reported high demand for essentials like generators, water, and electricity supplies, following previous historical crises where power outages affected millions.

Emergency measures were declared in Georgia and Mississippi as the storm approaches, affecting travel and public health preparedness.