Summary (tl;dr)

A major winter storm, dubbed "Winter Storm Fern," is forecast to sweep across the central and eastern United States from Friday, January 23, to Sunday, January 25, 2026, bringing significant snow, sleet, and freezing rain from Texas to the Carolinas and causing widespread disruptions.

Essential Background

The United States has recently experienced severe cold and snow in its northern regions. This upcoming storm is a result of a deep surge of Arctic air converging with moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, creating prime conditions for a high-impact winter weather event across states generally less accustomed to such widespread frozen precipitation. Notably, parts of Texas have had a warm and dry start to January, making this impending shift to extreme cold and wintry weather a significant change.

The Full Story

Forecasters are issuing urgent warnings for "Winter Storm Fern," a powerful system expected to deliver a dangerous mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain across a vast area of the U.S. from late this week through the weekend. In Texas, cities like Dallas are preparing for a transition from rain to substantial snow and ice accumulation, with predictions of 3 to 5 inches and temperatures plummeting into the teens. San Antonio is also bracing for an Arctic cold front, anticipating a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain with wind chills potentially dropping into the single digits by Sunday morning. Further east, central and eastern North Carolina, including Raleigh, faces a high risk of significant snow and ice, which could lead to hazardous driving conditions, closures, and extensive power outages. The National Weather Service (NWS) is actively issuing alerts and advising residents to make preparations for dangerous cold and significant disruptions to daily life.

Why It Matters

This severe winter storm is being described as a "potentially catastrophic event" for the affected regions, particularly the U.S. South, where infrastructure may be less equipped to handle widespread frozen precipitation. The expected ice accumulation poses a significant threat of widespread power outages and extensive tree damage, while heavy snow and treacherous freezing rain will render travel extremely dangerous and bring daily activities to a halt. Residents are strongly advised to prepare for prolonged periods indoors, due to the severe weather and potential for sub-zero wind chills, and to check on vulnerable populations.

Geographic Location

• Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, United States (expected snow and ice accumulation, dangerous travel, and infrastructure impacts from Winter Storm Fern)
• San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, United States (expected wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain, plummeting wind chills from Winter Storm Fern)
• Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, United States (potential for significant snow and ice, hazardous driving, and power outages from Winter Storm Fern)
• Central North Carolina, North Carolina, United States (risk of significant wintry weather, including ice and/or snow from Winter Storm Fern)
• Eastern North Carolina, North Carolina, United States (likely snow and ice with potential for significant impacts from Winter Storm Fern)
• Texas, United States (widespread snow, sleet, and ice from Winter Storm Fern across various parts of the state)
• U.S. South and East Coast, United States (major weekend winter storm, including snow, sleet, and ice from Winter Storm Fern affecting multiple states)