Millions brace for potentially catastrophic #IceStorm. What to know, by the numbers
Millions of Americans are bracing for a potentially catastrophic ice storm from #NewMexico to the #Carolinas
ByJEFF MARTIN Associated Press
January 22, 2026
ATLANTA -- "Millions of Americans from New Mexico to the Carolinas are bracing for a potentially catastrophic ice storm that could crush trees and power lines and knock out power for days, while many northern states all the way to New England could see enough snow to make travel nearly impossible, forecasters say.
"An estimated 100 million people were under some type of winter weather watch, warning or advisory on Wednesday ahead of the storm, the National Weather Service said.
"The storm, expected to begin Friday and continue through the weekend, is also projected to bring heavy snow and all types of wintry precipitation, including freezing rain and sleet. An atmospheric river of moisture could be in place by the weekend, pulling precipitation across #Texas and other states along the #GulfCoast and continuing across #Georgia and the Carolinas, forecasters said.
"Here's a look at the approaching storm and how people are preparing for it, by the numbers:
"The number of snowplows owned by the city of Jackson, #Mississippi, where a mix of ice and sleet is possible this weekend. The city uses other heavy machinery like skid steers and small excavators to clear roads, said James Caldwell, deputy director of public works. Jackson also has three trucks that carry salt and sand to spread across roads before freezing weather.
"The amount of ice — half an inch, or 1.27 centimeters — that can lead to a crippling ice storm, toppling trees and power lines to create widespread and long-lasting power outages. The latest forecasts from the National Weather Service warn of the potential for a half-inch of ice or more for many areas, including parts of #Arkansas, #Louisiana, #Alabama, and #Tennessee."
#WinterWeather #Preparedness #USWx #ExtremeWeather #PowerOutages #EmergencyPreparedness #ChargeYourPhones #ChargeYourBatteries
