Several emergency declarations have already been issued as a massive winter storm barrels toward more than 35 states, putting more than 200 million people in its path and threatening “considerable disruption” across the US.
Texas, Georgia and the Carolinas were the first to issue preemptive emergency declarations after the National Weather Service warned that “nearly everyone east of the Rockies” will be affected by snow, ice, or cold from Friday into early next week.
The potentially historic winter storm, dubbed Winter Storm Fern, is expected to span more than 2,000 miles, putting more than 200 million people at risk of crippling snow and travel chaos starting Thursday night.
Multiple states, including Texas, North Carolina, and South Carolina, have preemptively declared states of emergency as a ferocious winter storm bringing heavy snow, freezing rain, and ice is expected to sweep the country this weekend. Fox WeatherThe sprawling winter storm is set to hammer the country on Friday and through the weekend, moving from the Southwest through Texas and Oklahoma, across the South and Tennessee Valley, and toward the mid-Atlantic coast.
The winter blast will cause massive flight delays and cancellations at airports across the country, with many of the nation’s major air travel hubs — including Dallas, Atlanta, Memphis, Tenn., and Charlotte, NC — likely slammed with snow.
In the hardest hit areas, where temperatures could plunge below zero, forecasters also warned the extreme cold could cause trees to “explode.”
Hardwood trees such as maples, lindens and sycamores may split and burst in parts of the Midwest and Northern Plains on Friday and Saturday as an Arctic blast sends temperatures plunging, according to social media meteorologist Max Velocity.
“EXPLODING TREES are possible in the Midwest and Northern Plains on Friday and Saturday, as temperatures are forecasted to fall 20 degrees BELOW zero!” the YouTuber, who has about 1.55 million subscribers wrote on X.
Extreme cold spells that come on suddenly without giving trees “time to acclimate” can cause the “life-sustaining sap inside” to swell, according to the National Forest Foundation.
More than 175 million people across the US are in the path of a potentially historic winter storm. Fox WeatherForecasters are also advising people in states like Minnesota and Illinois to stay indoors to avoid hypothermia.
New York City, meanwhile, could see up to 16 inches if the storm blows far enough south — the most in the city since February 2021, when 16.8 inches fell in Central Park over two days.
“Extreme cold poses a huge risk — it is crucial that New Yorkers take steps to prepare ahead of time to make sure they can stay safe,” Gov. Kathy Hochul warned late Wednesday.
“Dress appropriately if heading outdoors, have supplies on hand and continue to monitor your local forecast. Severe weather doesn’t discriminate — prepare ahead of time.”
Drivers try to navigate the heavy snowfall in Buffalo, NY, on Jan. 21, 2026. @Weather_buffalo via StoryfulWinter storm watches remain in effect across parts of New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and the Tennessee Valley from Friday night through Saturday.
Forecasters fear that dangerous Arctic air trailing the storm could freeze snow and ice in place, prolonging power outages and paralyzing travel for days.
Gov. Greg Abbott activated Texas emergency resources Tuesday as the Arctic blast brings dangerously cold temperatures and snow and ice are expected to pose hazardous travel conditions in north and central Texas.
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein followed Texas’ lead and declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, warning his residents to “prepare” before the storm strikes the region.
“Please get ready. Get everything you need in advance of the storm and have a plan in case your power goes out,” Stein said.
Gov. Henry McMaster also declared a state of emergency in South Carolina on Wednesday and mobilized the National Guard.
“Preparations are already underway by state agencies, and this State of Emergency ensures Team South Carolina is ready to respond and support communities as conditions develop,” McMaster said.
Gov. Kathy Hochul warned New Yorkers to brace for extreme cold and ongoing lake-effect snow, with wind chills expected to dip below zero Friday night and stay frigid through the weekend and into next week. @Weather_buffalo via StoryfulStates that have not yet declared emergencies are closely monitoring the system while issuing similar warnings to residents.
Maryland declared a “state of preparedness” as Gov. Wes Moore warned residents to watch local forecasts closely and brace for hazardous conditions.
“By declaring a State of Preparedness in Maryland, I am directing the Department of Emergency Management to coordinate the comprehensive preparation of State government ahead of potential impacts related to the incoming weather system,” Moore said.
A Walmart Supercenter in Starkville, Mississippi, with empty shelves ahead of the historic storm. X / @weatheraub“Preparations are already underway by state agencies, and this State of Emergency ensures Team South Carolina is ready to respond and support communities as conditions develop,” McMaster said.
States that have not yet declared emergencies are closely monitoring the system while issuing similar warnings to residents.
Maryland declared a “state of preparedness” as Gov. Wes Moore warned residents to watch local forecasts closely and brace for hazardous conditions.
“By declaring a State of Preparedness in Maryland, I am directing the Department of Emergency Management to coordinate the comprehensive preparation of State government ahead of potential impacts related to the incoming weather system,” Moore said.
