Winter Weather Hits the U.S.: Snow and Subfreezing Wind Chills Expected

Sun Jan 18 2026 00:16:31 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A powerful winter storm is sweeping across the Midwest and East Coast, bringing hazardous conditions including snowfall and subfreezing wind chills through the weekend. Regions unaccustomed to such cold are preparing for an unusual weather event.

As a winter storm moves through the Midwest and East Coast, the National Weather Service warns of snow squalls causing hazardous driving conditions, especially in northeastern Ohio and moving eastward. Areas from Florida to Georgia will also experience near-freezing temperatures this weekend. Some parts of the South may even see snowfall, an anomaly for these usually warmer climates. Residents are urged to prepare for difficult travel conditions and to stay updated on weather forecasts.

HOUSTON (AP) — A blast of winter weather is set to bring snowfall and subfreezing wind chills across the Midwest and the East Coast this weekend, with even parts of the normally warm South, including Florida, dipping to near-freezing temperatures.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a snow squall is causing whiteout conditions in northeastern Ohio, moving into the Cleveland metro area and continuing eastward into Pennsylvania and parts of eastern New York. Travelers can expect reduced visibility and hazardous conditions on the road.

“Expect visibilities of less than a quarter of a mile and rapid snow accumulation on roadways. Travel will be difficult and possibly dangerous in the heavy snow,” warned the NWS.

The chilly weather is not limited to the northern parts of the U.S. Oklahoma, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida are also forecasted to experience near-freezing temperatures through the weekend. Snowfall is anticipated by Sunday night in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, where accumulation could reach up to 4 inches.

Residents in Tallahassee, Florida, are bracing for the possibility of snow on Sunday morning. Meteorologist Kristian Oliver stated, “The likelihood of any snow accumulation is not zero, but it’s very low,” noting that warm ground temperatures may prevent any snow from settling.

This unusual weather pattern has led meteorologists to highlight that having significant snow events in Florida back-to-back years is quite rare. In January 2025, parts of the Florida Panhandle witnessed up to 10 inches of snow, a record-breaking event for the area.

“Plan on slippery roads during the snow, as well as on Sunday night into Monday morning as remaining water/snow refreezes,” urges the NWS Atlanta office. This weather is expected to impact travel and daily life across many regions, making safety a priority.