At Least 14 States Declare State of Emergency Ahead of Massive Winter Storm

A massive winter storm stretching from New Mexico to Maine is prompting states across the country to declare emergencies, cancel flights, and brace for dangerous ice, heavy snow, and life-threatening cold.

More than 170 million people are under weather alerts as the storm bears down on the South, Midwest, and Northeast. At least 14 states and Washington, D.C. have declared states of emergency ahead of what forecasters warn could be one of the most disruptive winter events of the season.

States of Emergency and Widespread Disruptions

States that have declared emergencies include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia, along with Washington, D.C.

Air travel is already feeling the impact. More than 1,600 flights scheduled for Saturday within, into, or out of the U.S. have been canceled, according to flight tracking data. Dallas’ two major airports are among the hardest hit as airlines attempt to get ahead of deteriorating conditions.

Local and state officials are urging residents to stay off the roads, prepare for power outages, and avoid unnecessary travel throughout the weekend.

Ice a Major Threat in the South

While snow totals will be significant in parts of the Midwest and Northeast, meteorologists say ice is the biggest danger for the South.

Some areas could see up to one inch of ice accumulation, a level capable of shutting down roadways for days and snapping power lines and trees. Widespread power outages are expected, potentially leaving residents without heat during dangerously cold temperatures.

Cities facing the highest ice risk include Dallas, Texas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee; areas north of Atlanta; Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina; Roanoke, Virginia; and Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. Braces for Heavy Snow

Washington, D.C. officials warned residents to prepare for what could be the city’s largest snowfall in years. Mayor Muriel Bowser said current forecasts show at least nine inches of snow, with the potential for additional accumulation and freezing rain late Sunday into Monday.

“There is a possibility of freezing rain overnight Sunday into Monday, which will increase hazardous conditions,” Bowser said. The city has requested vehicle support from the D.C. National Guard to ensure first responders can move safely during the storm.

Dangerous Cold Adds to the Risk

Beyond snow and ice, extreme cold is compounding the threat. More than 50 million people are under alerts for dangerously low temperatures, even in areas outside the main storm zone.

Wind chills dipped to nearly minus 40 degrees in Minneapolis and minus 30 degrees in Chicago Friday morning. In those conditions, frostbite can occur in as little as 10 minutes.

In the South, cities such as Dallas, Little Rock, and Memphis are expected to remain bitterly cold after the storm passes. Officials warn prolonged power outages could leave vulnerable residents without heat during the arctic blast.

How the Storm Will Unfold

The storm began Friday afternoon with snow and ice across New Mexico, spreading into Texas and Oklahoma by evening. Saturday is expected to be the most dangerous day, with freezing rain and snow stretching from San Antonio to Dallas, Little Rock, Memphis, Shreveport, and Tupelo.

By Saturday evening, wintry weather will extend east into the Carolinas, with Atlanta and Raleigh forecast to see freezing rain or a wintry mix. Snow is possible as far west as Albuquerque and as far east as Virginia Beach.

By early Sunday morning, snow is expected from Wichita to Cincinnati to Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, while freezing rain remains likely in Houston, Memphis, Atlanta, and Raleigh.

The Bottom Line

Officials across multiple regions are urging residents to prepare now, avoid travel, and take warnings seriously. Ice accumulation, power outages, and extreme cold make this storm particularly dangerous, especially in areas unaccustomed to severe winter weather.

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