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 may experience snow at the onset, while others will 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. We spoke with the National Weather Service out of Little Rock, Arkansas, and this is what they had to say.<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fnh473lIkEI" start="0"></iframe></div><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 determine 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">

Patrick Crawford

Rare Snow & Ice Threatens the South-Central and Eastern U.S. Fri-Sun

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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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NORTHERN PLAINS - Blizzard warnings are in place through tonight across portions of the Plains as we expect visibility less than a quarter of a mile, winds greater than 35 mph, and snow falling. In addition to these blizzard alerts there are also winter weather advisories for surrounding areas to account for the blowing snow and accumulations as well.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-21 115747-1769022141113.png">As the clipper blows past through tonight snowfall totals are not the story here, it's the reduced visibility and high winds that we're expecting.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/01-21 rnc-1769022502811.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Winds are expected to gust upwards of 30-40 mph.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/rnc wind alerts-1769022528738.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>This system continues to move through the northeast winter weather advisories and winter storm warnings are in place across New York, West Virginia, and New York.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-21 120939-1769022809943.png">In this region, we currently have a front pushing through bringing rain and snow to the northeast. Through tonight, the next clipper pushes through and brings additional snowfall to these regions.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/01-21 RNE-1769022736519.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>For more details on the north-central U.S. be sure to join us :30 past the hour, for more details on the northeast be sure to join us :10 past the hour.

Blizzard Warnings Though This Evening and More Snow

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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 has 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 on 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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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"><h2>The North</h2>Cold weather alerts have been issued for these areas for the end of the week, with dangerously cold temperatures in the forecast. Wind chills as low as 50 below zero are expected.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-21 141628-1769030211785.png">Alerts extend across the Northeast for cities like Burlington, VT and Watertown, NY. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-21 132353-1769027037785.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 to 50 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/Screenshot 2026-01-21 132153-1769026917562.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!<h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-21 132219-1769026951363.png">The South</h2>This dangerous cold will also make it's way into the southern United States end of week and into the weekend with the coldest air expected on Saturday and Sunday morning. Cold weather alerts have been issued from Kansas through south Texas for the end of the week and the weekend.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-21 141512-1769030132145.png">Wind chill factors here could get as cold as the negatives, which means the wintry precipitation we're expecting here will be sticking around. Some areas don't get above freezing until Monday and Tuesday of next week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-21 115441-1769021698400.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot 2026-01-21 115448-1769021703361.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">

Adrian Hernandez

Cold Stuns Iguanas as Another Cold Snap Reaches South Florida

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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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Strong to locally severe thunderstorms have affected multiple regions of the southeastern United States so far today. For the list of storm reports and highest wind gusts, scroll down toward the bottom of this article.
Severe Outlook Today
A marginal risk of severe thunderstorms continues for much of the northern Gulf Coast region through Saturday night. This includes Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. A marginal risk means isolated severe thunderstorms will occur, here and there, but not everywhere. In addition, the activity will produce hail up to 1" in diameter and wind gusts up to 60 mph. Cloud-to-ground lightning will be likely within each storm as well as heavy rain rates (rainfall per hour).
Near-Term Weather Forecast
The timing of these potential severe thunderstorms will be right now, lasting through the night and into Sunday morning. In the image below you'll see simulated rainfall and embedded thunderstorms. The ones to watch closely will be those clusters in Texas and Louisiana as they move to the northeast.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-120817" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2020/04/Forecast-Snapshot-1-2.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" /> <img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-120818" src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2020/04/Forecast-Snapshot-2.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="1080" />

The wave of energy in the atmosphere will then quickly approach from the west on Saturday afternoon. Those showers and storms could very well hang on and continue Saturday night to Sunday daybreak, across parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

That leads us in to Sunday where we have a greater, more widespread chance of severe weather. We've written extensively about that below.

<a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/news/enhanced-severe-risk-returns-this-weekend/">Related Article: Severe Weather Forecast For Sunday</a>
Storm Reports So Far Today

<ul>
 	<li>Roof blown off barn in Snowden, North Carolina</li>
 	<li>Trees fell onto power lines in Elizabeth City, NC</li>
 	<li>Tree damage in Old Trap, NC</li>
 	<li>63 mph wind gust at the Hatteras Ferry Terminal in North Carolina</li>
 	<li>Top Florida wind gusts: 44 mph at Macdill AFB and Gulfport, 42 mph Belleair &amp; 40 mph Tampa</li>
</ul>
Continue to obtain critical information from your local National Weather Service as well as your city, county, and state government officials regarding the thunderstorm forecast. We will update you on our platforms as well.

Saturday Sparks Severe Storms

Rare Snow & Ice Threatens the South-Central and Eastern U.S. Fri-Sun

A rare winter storm is expected to impac

Blizzard Warnings Though This Evening and More Snow

NORTHERN PLAINS - Blizzard warnings are in pl

Rain and Snow Return to the Southwest

For much of this winter season, the Southwest

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

Saturday Sparks Severe Storms

Rare Snow & Ice Threatens the South-Central and Eastern U.S. Fri-Sun

A rare winter storm is expected to&nbsp;impac

Blizzard Warnings Though This Evening and More Snow

NORTHERN PLAINS - Blizzard warnings are in pl

Rain and Snow Return to the Southwest

For much of this winter season, the Southwest

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

A rare winter storm is expected to impac