Winter storm warnings have been issued, with up to 20 inches of snow and 50 mph winds projected to hit five states beginning January 18, 2026, according to the National Weather Service.
States Affected By Winter Storms
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for Michigan, New York, Georgia, Florida, and Alabama, warning citizens that “whiteout conditions are expected,” making travel “treacherous and potentially life-threatening.”
Michigan
From Sunday night into Monday morning, Keweenaw and northern Houghton Counties in Michigan could receive up to 5 inches of snow and winds as high as 40 mph, resulting in “widespread blowing snow,” which would “significantly reduce visibility,” according to the NWS.
Marquette County is expected to receive up to 4 inches of snow and 40 mph winds between midnight Sunday and Monday morning.
The NWS has warned all three counties that windchills will be between -15°F and -25°F by Monday morning.
Alger County could receive up to 5 inches of snow and 45 mph winds, while Gogebic and Ontonagon Counties might receive up to 6 inches of snow and 35 mph winds until Monday morning.
New York
Watertown and Fort Drum, located south over the Tug Hill region, should expect 2 to 3 feet of snow and gusts up to 45 mph beginning Sunday morning and lasting until Wednesday afternoon. The NWS cautions that snowfall rates could reach up to 4 inches per hour in certain areas, and wind chills could drop below zero beginning Monday night.
Niagara, Orleans, northern and southern Erie, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Genesee Counties may receive up to 20 inches of snow and 50 mph winds until Wednesday afternoon, with the greatest amounts expected to fall in southern Niagara, southwestern Orleans, northern Erie, and western Genesee Counties through Monday and Tuesday.
Georgia
Parts of central, south-central, west-central, and southwest Georgia could receive 1 to 3 inches of snow, while Marion, Schley, Stewart, and Webster Counties might see comparable amounts through Sunday.
Florida/Alabama
From early Sunday morning to afternoon, 1 to 3 inches of snow might fall over southeast Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.
NWS Advice for Winter Storms
The National Weather Service encourages those in affected areas to keep food and water in their vehicles in case of an emergency. It also encourages motorists to call 511 for the most recent road conditions before leaving.
