Brittany Lockley

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A rare winter storm is expected to&nbsp;impact parts of the deep South this weekend, bringing a combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain to areas that typically do not experience wintry precipitation. A surge of cold Arctic air will slide southward late Friday into Saturday, setting the stage for temperatures to fall below freezing across much of the region just as moisture moves in from the west.&nbsp;Winter storm watches have been issued in advance of this winter storm with varying totals, but generally ice up to .2" and snow up to 4" can be expected.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-20 151932-1768947581662.png">Meteorologist Jackie Brown spoke with the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma, about this upcoming winter storm.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/878G77ma2i0" start="0"></iframe></div><h1>SETUP</h1>Air that's normally locked up around the poles looks to break off from the region. From there, it will slide southward, invading the southern states. Sub-freezing temperatures will settle in behind this Arctic front, potentially as early as Friday. At the same time, a disturbance will roll onshore from Baja California, providing the lift and moisture needed to cause problems.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-21 040002-1768993226843.png"><h1>TIMING</h1>This is where we could see the trickiest part of the forecast, not named precipitation type. As the system develops, light to moderate precipitation is expected to overspread the area, with the exact type depending on surface temperatures and the depth of the cold air. Some locations could see snow at the onset, while others transition quickly to sleet or freezing rain. Even small amounts of ice could create hazardous travel conditions, especially on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roadways.&nbsp;Models have been inconsistent about pushing the cold air in, with some as early as Friday afternoon. If that pans out, the Friday evening's commute could be in some trouble. Saturday feels like a safer bet to see trouble, especially in the morning.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-21 03-57-22-1768993101524.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>UNCERTAINTY</h1>A lot is riding on when the front moves in. The timing of the cold air will be key. Overnight and early morning hours appear to be the most favorable for wintry precipitation, when temperatures are coldest. Daytime warming may help change precipitation back to plain rain in some spots, but areas that remain below freezing could continue to see icy conditions linger into parts of the day.&nbsp;The overall picture of what looks to be shaping up is fairly consistent. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-21 035610-1768992986586.png"><h1>WHAT YOU SHOULD DO</h1>Because snow and ice are uncommon across the Deep South, impacts can be significant even with minimal accumulation. Power outages are possible where ice builds up on trees and power lines, and travel disruptions could occur as drivers encounter slick roads. Residents are encouraged to monitor the forecast closely, limit travel if possible, and take precautions to protect people, pets, and property from the cold.&nbsp;With this storm likely not moving in until at least Friday afternoon, there is plenty of time to prepare. Know what your plans are on Friday and if they are negotiable. Make sure you stay tuned to WeatherNation for all the latest info on what you can expect towards the end of this week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-20 152002-1768947607366.png">

Rare Snow & Ice Threatens the South This Weekend

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Originally born in Spokane, Washington,  Jackie's Dad was in the Air Force which led her to a life of travel. She has lived in Wichita, Okinawa, Japan, Baltimore, New Jersey, Indiana and South Carolina.  After graduating from Kadena High School, in Okinawa Japan, she got a full basketball scholarship to Coppin State College. On the court she was a 4-year starter and reached over 1000 points in her basketball career. She was also named Athlete of the Year for the whole university in 2002. Off the court, she earned a degree in Broadcast Production/English.

After college, she landed a job as a radio personality. Jackie went on to have a successful career for 12 years working at KXLY broadcast center. While on the radio, she decided to change career. Jackie went back to school, graduating from the Mississippi State Meteorology Broadcast Program. From snow, to tornadoes, to hurricanes, she has had experience forecasting all these events.

Jackie Brown

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MICHIGAN - Just after 10:00 Monday morning (January 19, 2026), a 100+ car pileup was reported between Hudsonville and Zeeland, Michigan, on I-196 due to the wintry roads. Numerous injuries and a complete shutdown of the area have been a result of this incident. The footage above shows the state of the area late morning/midday. The closest weather observation site in Holland, West Michigan Regional Airport, reported visibility down to 0.25 miles, west winds of 18 mph with gusts of 35 mph at 9:53 am Monday.<h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-19 122754-1768852540892.png">WHAT TO EXPECT</h1>More rounds of snow will continue over the next few days. Winter weather alerts remain in place across the Great Lakes and Northeast through Thursday, and several winter storm warnings for western New York through Friday. Driving will be impacted by slick roads. There will be difficult travel to where some of the heaviest lake-effect bands set up. Make sure to give yourself extra time for the morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds and heavy snow will be possible, especially in some of the intense lake-effect bands.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web1-1768992018994.png">A low-pressure system will move through the Great Lakes on Wednesday, bringing a round of heavy snow with it. As the low moves to the east, winds will shift out of the West behind it, bringing bands of lake-effect snow Wednesday through Thursday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-21 03-41-37-1768992122284.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The heaviest snow will set up across Western New York, with the heaviest snowfall totals of up to a foot plus of snow. Snowfall rates up to 2 to 3 inches per hour will be possible in some of the heaviest bands.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web2-1768992173350.png">Buffalo and Watertown, NY, could see moderate to even major winter storm impacts over the next few days. These areas are where the heaviest of the snow is expected to be. Tune in to WeatherNation :10 past the hour for your full Eastern Regional Forecast.

Adrian Hernandez

Lake-Effect Snow Causes 100+ Car Pileup in Michigan

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During the winter months, many of us are no strangers to chilly temps and downright unbearable cold. However, Mother Nature often times likes to bend the rules a bit. A weakening polar vortex is likely to spell trouble for the High Plains late this week. What is the polar vortex? You can think of it as a permanent area of low pressure that stays at the Earth's poles! A strong polar vortex does a good job of keeping that arctic air where it needs to be. However, during the winter months, a weak polar vortex can allow some of that air to sink into the U.S.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/web1-1768833952146.png">Cold weather alerts have been issued for these areas for the end of the week, with dangerously cold temperatures in the forecast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web1-1768991078780.png">This polar air will have some pretty hefty impacts across the High Plains. Thermometers will read values well below zero, but once you factor in that wind, the wind chill will take you down to 30+ below zero in places like the Twin Cities and Bismarck. But it gets worse. Let's say you find yourself in northern Minnesota. Roseau could see wind chill values as low as 49 degrees below zero! Downright dangerous cold!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web2-1768991160277.png">Meteorologist Alana Cameron spoke to the National Weather Service in Duluth, MN, about this upcoming cold:<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8gzSxDH1u5I" start="0"></iframe></div>These temperatures will also seep into the northeast, bringing wind chill values out in New York City down to 3 degrees below zero Saturday morning!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web3-1768991253312.png">Reminder to keep yourself bundled up to the max heading into the late week! Frostbite can occur in mere minutes when the wind chill values get below -42 degrees! It's important to limit your skin exposure to the elements during this time as well!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/web8-1768835305901.png">Make sure you stay tuned to WeatherNation for the latest on these temperatures, and how we can keep YOU safe through these frigid temperatures!

Dangerously Cold Temps Spill Into the Lower 48 Late This Week

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Taban Sharifi grew up in Southern California between Los Angeles and San Diego. She is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) with the American Meteorological Society (AMS). She has a B.S. in Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Environmental Sciences with a minor in Environmental Systems and Society from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Go Bruins! While in school, Taban was a meteorology intern with NBC LA. There she helped forecast daily weather for the greater Los Angeles region and created a playbook to deploy weather sensors for NBC owned-and-operated stations across the country. Her first on-air job took her to San Angelo, Texas, where she was a morning meteorologist and co-anchor. Working in West Texas gave her knowledge and experience covering severe storms. From there, she moved to Palm Springs, California. People think forecasting in California is sunshine all the time, but with temperatures in the 120’s, wildfires, damaging winds, floodings, and earthquakes, the forecasting kept her very busy! She also worked there as a general assignment reporter and told community stories. Taban is excited for the challenge and opportunity to forecast nationally with WeatherNation. She also looks forward to exploring all that Colorado has to offer!

Taban Sharifi

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Sub-freezing temperatures made their way into the South and Southeast once again Sunday into Monday, with lows in the 30s as far south as South Florida! Temperatures Monday morning (above) dropped down to 25 for Jacksonville, FL and 28 in Atlanta, GA.These chilly temps were cold enough to stun cold-blooded Iguanas, which are an invasive species.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2012155375894806776" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2012155375894806776"></div>Freeze Alerts remain through Tuesday morning. These are typically issued at the start or end of the growing season, but in the case of Florida, the growing season is a little more ambiguous. These have been issued because frost and freeze conditions could kill crops and other sensitive vegetation, and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web1-1768904370694.png">Temperatures by mid to late week will return closer to normal for overnight lows.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Web2-1768904517103.png">

Cold Stuns Iguanas as Another Cold Snap Reaches South Florida

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Alana Cameron was born and raised in Canada in the city of Mississauga, just outside of Toronto. Alana is the oldest of 4 siblings, all close in age, and grew up playing outside with them in all types of weather. After graduating high school, Alana moved to study at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna for a year before transferring to Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Atmospheric Science. Upon completion, Alana moved back to Toronto where she completed a post-grad degree in Meteorology at York University. After her post-grad, she went on to complete another post-grad in Broadcast Journalism - TV News at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. During her final year of studies she had the privilege of interning with the best in the business in Canada at The Weather Network. Once she finished her internship, she got the call from small-town Denison, Texas where she accepted a job as an on-air meteorologist at KTEN-TV, right in tornado alley, covering severe weather from Sherman/Denison (North Texas) to Ada (Southern Oklahoma). After the most active tornado season Oklahoma had seen in May 2019 (105 tornadoes!) Alana is excited to join WeatherNation to cover weather all across the nation. If you're interested in following her on social media she can be found @alanacameronwx!

Alana Cameron

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<h1>MONDAY AM UPDATE: </h1>WEEKEND SNOW TOTALS: MERCER, WI - 5.9"CEDAR, WI - 5.8"SEA GULL LAKE, MN - 5.5"HAWTHORNE, WI - 5.5"IRONWOOD, MI - 2.5"UPPER MIDWEST - Blizzard warnings have ended for the northern plains, but some of the conditions on Sunday were rough. In particular, the Red River Valley of the North. Dangerous driving conditions persist. Winter Weather Advisories will drop off from West to East throughout the day, with several in Michigan in place through early Tuesday AM. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/IMG_2816-1768830888261.jpg">Behind this system, bitter cold will rush in with wind chill factors that will drop down to the negatives. Cold weather advisories have been issued for this area for wind chill factors that could get as cold as 40 below zero.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-18 155136-1768776702501.png"><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/01-18 rnc wind-1768791350541.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>For more on this region, be sure to join us at :30 past the hour for you central regional forecast.

Tracey Anthony

Dangerous Cold follows Weekend Blizzard Conditions in the Northern Plains

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MONDAY AM UPDATE: WInter Weather advisories are still in effect for several counties through midday.Snow Totals:Plymouth, MA - 6.5"Greenwich, &nbsp;RI - 6.0"Durham, &nbsp;NH - 5.0"Dover, MA 4.5"<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2013084003482452454" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2013084003482452454"></div>NORTHEAST - The I-95 corridor has seen messy conditions Sunday with rain and snow leading to poor driving. The freeze line has played a role in the type of precipitation we've been seeing. Today, temperatures below freezing led to snow in cities like Boston and New York City. Winter Alerts remain in place through tonight, and for some through Monday morning.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/0118-1768776344061.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Many areas will taper off through tonight with the snowfall, but some areas across New England will continue to see snow through Monday morning.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-18 154551-1768776357055.png">Temperatures will continue to cool down through the week. Many areas will see the teens and 20s by Tuesday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-18 154648-1768776435040.png">Get the latest forecast for the Northeast anytime on the WeatherNation app in the Eastern Regional forecast. The forecast also airs at :10 past every hour.

Snow Totals from the Weekend Snow that Targeted I-95 From Virginia through New England

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Kevin Schneider

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SOUTH - Rounds of cold arctic air have been pushing across the South. As we head into the weekend, another frontal system will draw in just enough cold air and encounter just enough moisture to bring the potential for snow to the South. Totals should be on the lighter side, but some areas could see 1-3" stick.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/web1-1768735519341.png">A winter weather advisory has been issued from eastern Alabama into southern Georgia, even a few into the northern Panhandle of Florida! Snow could accumulate in these areas, including interstates like I-75, I-16, and I-20.<h2>Forecast</h2>The NBM (National Blend of Models) shows the probability of snow across the South. Currently, the best chances are from southeastern Alabama up through the Carolinas.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-18 06-27-17-1768735661002.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Moisture is likely to begin as rainfall on Saturday before transitioning to snow into late Saturday night, but more likely Sunday morning. Snow could then continue along the frontal boundary into the late morning on Sunday.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-18 06-28-39-1768735740622.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Totals</h2>Winter Storm Warnings are up for parts of Central Georgia where as much as three to four inches of snow could fall. However, the snow will not stick around for long as temperatures warm above freezing into the afternoon hours.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/web2-1768735771746.png">Be sure to join us on WeatherNation as we continue to fine-tune this forecast in the coming days.

Snow in The South: Light Accumulations Sunday Morning

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<ul>
 	<li>Hurricane watch</li>
 	<li>Tropical storm warning</li>
 	<li>Storm surge warning</li>
</ul>
Do you know the difference between these tropical alerts and what to do if one is issued for your home? Let’s break down the different types of alerts during tropical systems.

When a tropical storm or hurricane *watch* is issued, it means corresponding winds are possible within 48 hours.
For a tropical storm that means sustained winds of 39 miles per hour or greater. For a hurricane that means 74 mph or greater are possible.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-121733" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2020/05/Tropical-Watch.jpg" alt="" width="1187" height="577" />

The rule of thumb when it comes to a *watch* is that’s the time when you want to quickly finish preparations, such as putting up your storm shutters. It’s also the time you want to head to your designated storm shelter, or plan to leave soon if evacuations are issued for your location.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-121734" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2020/05/Tropical-Warning.jpg" alt="" width="1177" height="610" />
When a tropical storm or hurricane *warning* is issued, it means hazardous and potentially life-threatening weather conditions will begin in the next 36 hours. By this time, preparations must be finished. Quickly get to your designated safe place.

Next, we have *storm surge* alerts.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-121735" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2020/05/Storm-Surge-Alerts.jpg" alt="" width="1169" height="608" />
A storm surge *watch* means life-threatening inundation from rising coastal waters is possible within 48 hours. A warning? Within 36 hours. If you’re in a storm surge warning, check the latest evacuation orders and get to higher ground if need be.

Please note that these alerts can be issued before tropical systems have fully formed. Vice versa, alerts may be issued for storms that have lost their tropical characteristics but still produce dangerous conditions.

WeatherNation's Hurricane Preparedness Week is Monday, May 25 to Sunday, May 31 where we will get you ready for the upcoming hurricane season. We will share tips on preparations, information to help you understand the forecast, and what to do before, during, and after a storm. Also, the National Hurricane Center will release its seasonal outlook on Thursday, May 21. Stay with us as we bring you these stories this season!

To watch/listen to this story, see our video below:

https://youtu.be/-5HbDeA53_U

Find The Difference: Tropical Watch Vs. Warning

Rare Snow & Ice Threatens the South This Weekend

A rare winter storm is expected to impac

Lake-Effect Snow Causes 100+ Car Pileup in Michigan

MICHIGAN - Just after 10:00 Monday morning (J

Dangerously Cold Temps Spill Into the Lower 48 Late This Week

During the winter months, many of us are no s

Cold Stuns Iguanas as Another Cold Snap Reaches South Florida

Sub-freezing temperatures made their way into

Dangerous Cold follows Weekend Blizzard Conditions in the Northern Plains

MONDAY AM UPDATE: WEEKEND SNOW TOTALS: MERCER

Snow Totals from the Weekend Snow that Targeted I-95 From Virginia through New England

MONDAY AM UPDATE: WInter Weather advisories a

Snow in The South: Light Accumulations Sunday Morning

SOUTH - Rounds of cold arctic air have been p

Find The Difference: Tropical Watch Vs. Warning

Rare Snow & Ice Threatens the South This Weekend

A rare winter storm is expected to&nbsp;impac

Lake-Effect Snow Causes 100+ Car Pileup in Michigan

MICHIGAN - Just after 10:00 Monday morning (J

Dangerously Cold Temps Spill Into the Lower 48 Late This Week

During the winter months, many of us are no s

Cold Stuns Iguanas as Another Cold Snap Reaches South Florida

Sub-freezing temperatures made their way into

Dangerous Cold follows Weekend Blizzard Conditions in the Northern Plains

MONDAY AM UPDATE: WEEKEND SNOW TOTALS: MERCER

Snow Totals from the Weekend Snow that Targeted I-95 From Virginia through New England

MONDAY AM UPDATE: WInter Weather advisories a

Snow in The South: Light Accumulations Sunday Morning

SOUTH - Rounds of cold arctic air have been p

A rare winter storm is expected to impac