Winter Storm Warning Issued for Over 1 Million People

Heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and dangerous wind chills expected across the Southeast this weekend.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 1:39pm

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The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings and watches for parts of Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina ahead of a significant winter storm expected to hit the region this weekend. The storm could bring up to 12 inches of snow, hazardous travel conditions, and dangerously cold temperatures with wind chills as low as 10 below zero.

Why it matters

This winter storm has the potential to cause widespread power outages, school and business closures, and dangerous travel conditions across a large swath of the Southeast. Residents in the affected areas will need to take precautions to stay safe during the extreme cold and heavy snowfall.

The details

The winter storm warnings cover areas that could see up to 10 inches of snow, with the potential for 12 inches along the Eastern Seaboard. The heavy snow is expected to make many roads impassable and may cause isolated power outages. In addition to the heavy snow, the storm will bring dangerously cold temperatures, with wind chills as low as 5 above zero to 5 below zero expected across the region.

  • The winter storm warnings will go into effect as early as Friday morning.
  • The warnings are expected to remain in place at least through Saturday.
  • The coldest temperatures in Knoxville, Tennessee are expected between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.

The players

National Weather Service (NWS)

The federal agency responsible for issuing weather forecasts and warnings across the United States.

Charlie Woodrum

The preparedness and resilience lead at the National Weather Service, who advised residents in the impacted areas to prepare for the worst with the incoming storm.

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What they’re saying

“Winter storms can bring snow, sleet, freezing rain, blizzard conditions and dangerously cold temperatures. Without properly preparing for a winter storm, people can get caught in life-threatening situations both traveling and at-home.”

— Charlie Woodrum, Preparedness and Resilience Lead (Newsweek)

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