Brittany Lockley

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A rare winter storm is expected to&nbsp;impact parts of the deep South starting Friday and into the 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.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/web2-1769014290254.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 morning. 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/2026/01/01-21_rsc rse bams-1769020054553.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>SNOW, ICE, AND SLEET TOTALS</h1>The totals of snow and ice are the trickiest part of this forecast. Some models have over a foot of snow, and many models have up to half an inch of ice accumulating. Where the freezing line is will determing your type of precipitation.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-21 113037-1769020243356.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-21 113008-1769020248385.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 2026-01-21 112757-1769020084236.png">

Alana Cameron

Rare Snow & Ice Threatens the South Fri-Sun

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Adrian Hernandez

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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'-1769014722580.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/web2-1769014747223.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/web43-1769014789159.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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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/web1-1769014547692.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 11-56-02-1769014589268.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/web2-1769014640934.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.

Lake-Effect Snow Causes 100+ Car Pileup in Michigan

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Rob grew up in South Florida, where daily afternoon storms and hurricanes piqued his interest in meteorology early on. That interest was fostered by his teachers and his father, who one time brought him onto the roof of their home to watch a funnel cloud move through the Everglades several miles away. Years of filmmaking and tv production in high school gradually pushed him toward broadcast meteorology at Florida State University, where he joined and eventually led the student run daily weather show. After graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology, he began his career at KESQ in Palm Springs, California before heading to KFSN in Fresno and WLOS in Asheville, North Carolina. He has covered a diverse array of extreme weather events, including haboobs and flash flooding in the desert, extreme snow in the Sierra, hurricanes, and Appalachian ice storms. He also enjoys telling stories and reporting about weather issues.

Connect with Rob on <a href="https://twitter.com/WxRobBradley">Twitter</a>

Rob Bradley

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For much of this winter season the Southwestern United States have been under the influence of a large, blocking ridge of high pressure. This ridge has sent storms well to the north, keeping the southwest dry and warm. While a few soaking systems helped push drought conditions out of California, the Four Corners have been seeing drought conditions worsen with snow pack rivaling the worst on record (snow pack records date back about 40 years).<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-21 090610-1769015379472.png">A wet storm system is expected to move in from the Pacific to end the week, bringing heavy rain and snow back to these parched locations. Winter weather alerts have been issued for portions of New Mexico starting Friday morning, but expect more of the surrounding area to see additional alerts issued in the next few days.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-21 090550-1769015427812.png">As the low moves across the interior, scattered rain and snow are expected to develop in California by Thursday morning. Isolated showers will spread into the Great Basin and Four Corners by the evening hours, but showers will greatly increase in coverage and intensity throughout the day Friday. By Saturday morning, widespread rain is expected in Arizona and lower elevations of New Mexico, while mountain areas and locations east of I-25 see heavy snowfall. The heavy precipitation will gradually wind down through Sunday morning, with some snow showers still falling in New Mexico.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-21 10-12-04-1769015568733.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Snowfall totals look impressive in Colorado and New Mexico, with many high elevation locations looking at 6-12". Even portions of Arizona and California can expect some 6"+. Expect major delays on several interstates in Colorado and New Mexico, such as I-25, I-40, and I-70.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-21 090555-1769015663655.png">Get the latest forecast for the Western U.S. anytime with the WeatherNation app by pulling up the regional forecast section, or tuning in to WeatherNationTV at :50 past the hour.

Rain and Snow Return to the Southwest

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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!

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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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NOAA’s supercomputer Dogwood, located in Manassas, Virginia (2023). (Image credit: NOAA)We had the opportunity to sit down with the Director of the National Weather Service, Ken Graham to discuss the supercomputer capabilities and how it will improve forecast accuracy and decision making for the nation. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2023/08/Ken Graham - Super Computers-1692126354220.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced the expansion of the weather "supercomputer" this week - increasing the capacity by 20%. According to NOAA, "the increased computing power and storage will help improve forecast model guidance for years to come and allow for other weather prediction advances."The Weather and Climate Operational Super Computing System (WCOSS) is actually two systems, the Dogwood and Cactus, located in Manassas, VA and Phoenix, AZ, respectively. The two computers are contracted with General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) as part of a acquisition, upgrade, products and services contract spanning 8 years with a 2 year option renewal.&nbsp;&nbsp;NOAA scientists expect the increase in computing power to help with more complex forecast models; the upgrade allows for 29 quadrillion calculations ... per second. This allows more data to be imputed into the computers and more data to be stored.It is part of a plan to upgrade the U.S. "GFS" or Global Forecast System Model and make the model hirer resolution. Currently, it has a 13km resolution, the goal is to get it to 9km. Additional advancements are expected with the "radiatively active aerosols" product to better predict wildfire smoke, dust and fog.The HRRR, or Rapid Refresh Model will also get a boost, with more forecast potentials and data included in each run of the model.Over 20 models run on the WCOSS. There are additional supercomputers in West Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi and Colorado that add to NOAA's fleet. According to the National Weather Service Director, Ken Graham, “This increased supercomputing power allows for upgrades to specific modeling systems that will help weather forecasters deliver more accurate weather forecasts, watches and warnings and improved certainty in a forecast.”The latest upgrade to the WCOSS comes as NOAA advances the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/nhc-using-a-new-hurricane-model-for-the-2023-season">Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System</a> model with the NHC. Now operational, the model aims to better predict rapid intensification and storm surge during hurricanes.You can read the full press release <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-completes-upgrade-to-weather-and-climate-supercomputer-system">here.</a>

NOAA Announces Upgrade to Super Computers

Rare Snow & Ice Threatens the South Fri-Sun

A rare winter storm is expected to impac

Dangerously Cold Temps Spill Into the Lower 48 Late This Week

During the winter months, many of us are no s

Lake-Effect Snow Causes 100+ Car Pileup in Michigan

MICHIGAN - Just after 10:00 Monday morning (J

Rain and Snow Return to the Southwest

For much of this winter season the Southweste

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

NOAA Announces Upgrade to Super Computers

Rare Snow & Ice Threatens the South Fri-Sun

A rare winter storm is expected to&nbsp;impac

Dangerously Cold Temps Spill Into the Lower 48 Late This Week

During the winter months, many of us are no s

Lake-Effect Snow Causes 100+ Car Pileup in Michigan

MICHIGAN - Just after 10:00 Monday morning (J

Rain and Snow Return to the Southwest

For much of this winter season the Southweste

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

A rare winter storm is expected to impac