Preparation for Historic Winter Storm in Southern US

Mon Feb 02 2026 22:27:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As a massive winter storm approaches, Texas and Oklahoma brace for heavy snow and dangerous ice, prompting emergency measures and closures across the region.

Residents of Texas and Oklahoma are preparing for an extensive winter storm that is predicted to bring hazardous conditions including heavy snow and ice, leading to road closures and power outages. Utility companies are on high alert with preparations underway as local schools and airports suspend operations. This storm poses a significant threat as weather warnings extend across much of the southern and eastern United States, urging residents to stay safe and stocked up on essential supplies.

DALLAS (AP) — Texas and Oklahoma braced for heavy snow and ice that could make roadways treacherous Friday in what forecasters predict will be some of the initial effects of a huge, dayslong winter storm threatening catastrophic damage, extensive power outages and bitterly cold weather in the eastern two-thirds of the U.S.

In the Houston area, a utility company had 3,300 employees ready to address issues arising from the winter storm, while Oklahoma’s Department of Transportation pretreated highways and interstates with salt brine. Freezing rain and sleet were also expected in New Mexico as early as Friday.

The massive storm system is expected to bring crippling ice conditions from Texas through parts of the South, potentially around a foot of snow from Oklahoma through Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston, and then a final punch of bitterly cold air that could drop wind chills to minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 46 Celsius) in parts of Minnesota and North Dakota.

Forecasters are warning the damage, especially in areas pounded by ice, could rival a hurricane. Approximately 160 million people were under winter storm or cold weather watches or warnings — and in many places both.

Cold air streaming down from Canada led to the cancellation of classes in Chicago and Des Moines. Wind chills predicted as low as minus 35 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 37 Celsius) could cause frostbite within 10 minutes, making it hazardous to walk to school or wait for the bus.

The cold front means it will be difficult to thaw out, posing a significant danger in areas where ice weighs down tree branches and power lines, potentially causing widespread outages. Roads and sidewalks could remain icy for several days.

Government officials are advising people to manage supplies and be prepared for outages, as the impact of the storm could be severe across a wide area. Residents are being told to stay home if possible and avoid unnecessary travel once the storm hits.

In the bustling grocery stores, supplies quickly vanished as families prepared for the potentially harsh winter weather. Many were seen stocking up on essentials, including generators and basic food items, anticipating shortages as the storm's arrival neared.

As states of emergency were declared in various regions, the community prepares to weather what could be a historic winter storm.