WASHINGTON D.C. January 23, 2026 – U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued a urgent public service announcement on Saturday, alerting residents in the Midwest, East Coast, and parts of the South to brace for a major winter storm set to bring heavy snow, dangerous freezing rain, life-threatening wind chills, and widespread disruptions this weekend.
In a video message posted to X (formerly Twitter), Secretary Noem, speaking from what appears to be a FEMA operations center, emphasized the storm’s potential for severe impacts. “This weekend the United States will experience a severe winter storm capable of producing heavy snow, dangerous freezing rain, and life-threatening wind chills,” she stated. “Power outages, road closures, and other impacts are expected to hit the Midwest, the East Coast, and even parts of the South.”
Noem urged the public to “stay ready, stay alert, and prepare accordingly,” highlighting the critical need to avoid roads for personal safety and to allow emergency services unimpeded access. She directed viewers to ready.gov for preparation resources, advising them to monitor announcements from state, local, and federal agencies.
The storm, forecasted to span from January 23 to 26, is expected to affect over two dozen states, bringing a dangerous mix of ice, heavy snow, and extreme cold that could cripple transit, knock out power grids, and leave millions vulnerable to hypothermia. According to the National Weather Service, widespread travel disruptions, prolonged power outages, and vast tree damage are likely, with frigid temperatures and gusty winds expanding from the north-central U.S. to the Southern Plains, Mississippi Valley, and Midwest. In the Carolinas, along the Interstate 85 corridor, ice accumulations could reach 0.75 to 1.25 inches, sufficient to topple trees and exacerbate outages. The system, converging with an Arctic blast, has prompted at least 14 governors to declare weather emergencies, with heavy snow and ice anticipated from Texas and Oklahoma eastward. An area from Northern Mexico to Atlantic Canada faces crippling temperatures and winds, with snowstorms blanketing much of the region.
Meteorologists warn that the combination of significant snow and ice with frigid weather could cause power outages and icy roads to persist longer than usual. More than 170 million Americans are under alert for this potentially catastrophic event stretching 2,000 miles from New Mexico to New England. In some areas, such as parts of North Carolina, the event could rival or exceed historic ice storms like the 2005 event, leading to dangerous travel conditions, tree damage, and extended disruptions.
Federal emergency management teams are positioned to respond, with Noem confirming she is in contact with state and local officials. Public reactions on X have been supportive, with users expressing confidence in the administration’s handling and reiterating calls to stay safe.
As the storm intensifies, officials echo Noem’s advice: “Get warm, get safe, and stay there.” Residents are encouraged to stock up on essentials, secure heating sources, and avoid unnecessary travel to mitigate risks.
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