Winter Storm Sweeps U.S., Over 210 Million Face Cold Advisories
Updated (3 articles)
Nationwide Alert Zone Spans Approximately 2,000 Miles The National Weather Service issued alerts covering roughly 2,000 miles of the United States on Saturday, stretching from the Pacific Northwest to the Atlantic seaboard. The storm delivered heavy snow, freezing rain, and strong winds across this swath. Emergency managers in multiple states activated response plans as the system advanced inland [1][2].
Ice‑And‑Snow Watches Encompass More Than 180 Million People More than 180 million Americans fell under ice‑and‑snow watches or warnings, indicating widespread risk of slippery surfaces and reduced visibility. Both urban centers and rural communities received directives to limit travel and prepare for possible power outages. The sheer number of people under these alerts underscores the storm’s unprecedented scale [1][2].
Cold‑Weather Advisories Reach Over 210 Million Residents Over 210 million people were placed under cold‑weather advisories or warnings, warning of dangerously low temperatures that could cause frostbite and equipment failures. The advisories often paired with recommendations for proper clothing, vehicle preparation, and protection of vulnerable populations. Overlapping cold‑weather and ice‑and‑snow alerts heightened the overall risk profile in many regions [1][2].
Live Webcams and Resource Guides Aid Public Preparedness Live webcams and streaming feeds were made available nationwide, allowing residents to monitor snowfall depth, wind gusts, and road conditions in real time. The articles linked to local forecasts, car‑emergency kits, frostbite guidance, blizzard explanations, plant‑watering tips, black‑ice warnings, and car‑warming advice. These resources aimed to help the public mitigate hazards and maintain safety during the storm’s peak [1][2].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
WBNS: Massive Winter Storm Triggers Nationwide Alerts and Live Webcams: Highlights alert extent, 180 million ice‑snow warnings, 210 million cold advisories, and provides webcam links and safety tips.
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[2]
King5: Massive Winter Storm Triggers Nationwide Alerts, Millions Under Warnings: Emphasizes 2,000‑mile alert stretch, overlapping warnings, and includes live streams plus detailed preparedness resources.
Timeline
Nov 24, 2025 – The National Weather Service expands its alert toolkit, adding the Snow Squall Warning and the Winter Weather Severity Index while clarifying the distinction between watches and warnings, so the public can recognize sudden intense snow bursts and gauge storm severity before they strike[2].
Jan 25, 2026 – A powerful winter system moves into the United States, delivering a mix of heavy snow, freezing rain, and strong winds that trigger emergency managers to activate response plans across affected regions[3].
Jan 25, 2026 – The National Weather Service issues winter‑weather alerts that stretch roughly 2,000 miles from the Pacific Northwest to the Atlantic seaboard, underscoring the storm’s massive geographic footprint and the need for widespread preparedness[3][1].
Jan 25, 2026 – More than 180 million Americans fall under ice‑and‑snow watches or warnings, signaling a high risk of slippery surfaces, power outages, and travel hazards for both urban and rural communities[3][1].
Jan 25, 2026 – Over 210 million people receive cold‑weather advisories or warnings, warning of dangerously low temperatures that could cause frostbite, equipment failures, and heightened strain on heating systems[3][1].
Jan 25, 2026 – Several states experience overlapping alerts—such as simultaneous winter‑storm warnings and cold‑weather advisories—prompting local officials to issue stricter safety directives and urging residents to limit travel[3].
Jan 25, 2026 – King 5 streams live webcams and feeds across the country, letting viewers monitor real‑time storm impacts while providing resources on winter‑driving kits, frostbite prevention, black‑ice safety, and other emergency preparedness tips[1][3].