Brace yourself for a winter wonderland—or a downright dangerous mess. A massive winter storm is barreling across the United States this weekend, and the snow totals are nothing short of jaw-dropping. But here's where it gets controversial: While some are gearing up for a picturesque snow day, others are facing potential power outages, travel chaos, and even life-threatening conditions. So, how much snow are you really getting?
Updated on: January 23, 2026 / 1:59 PM EST / CBS News
Don’t forget to add CBS News on Google [https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=cbsnews.com] for the latest updates as this storm unfolds.
As millions across the country stock up on supplies and prepare for the worst, the big question on everyone’s mind is: Just how much snow will fall? According to forecasts, some areas could see well over a foot of snow, with a few unlucky regions staring down at up to two feet. That’s right—this isn’t your average dusting. It’s a full-blown winter storm that’s already prompted more than a dozen states to declare states of emergency.
And this is the part most people miss: It’s not just snow. This slow-moving system is packing a punch with freezing rain, sleet, and ice, turning roads into skating rinks and power lines into ticking time bombs. Starting Friday, the Southern Plains will take the first hit, followed by the Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys on Saturday, and finally the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic on Sunday into Monday.
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm watches and warnings across a staggering 2,000 miles, underscoring the sheer scale of this event. But let’s break it down by region to see who’s in for the deepest freeze.
Southern Plains and Southeast: Ice is the real villain here. Parts of Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, and the Carolinas could see an inch or more of ice accumulation, making travel treacherous. In Oklahoma, cities like Oklahoma City (18–22 inches) and Tulsa (18–20 inches) are bracing for snowmageddon. Amarillo, Texas, could get 12–14 inches, while Little Rock, Arkansas, might see up to 12 inches. Dallas? Ice and sleet are the main concerns, but a couple of inches of snow could still pile up.
Ohio Valley: Columbus, Ohio, and Indianapolis are looking at up to 12 inches, but Louisville, Kentucky, takes the cake with a potential 22 inches. Pittsburgh could get a foot or more, and St. Louis is expecting anywhere from 7 to 14 inches.
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic: Major cities are in for a snowy showdown. Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia are forecast to get 10–14 inches, while Boston could see 12–18 inches. New York City? Prepare for 10–18 inches of the white stuff. That’s enough to bury cars and bring the city to a standstill.
CBS News meteorologist Nikki Nolan’s map paints a vivid picture of just how widespread this storm will be, with states like Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kentucky facing some of the heaviest snowfall. But here’s the real question: Are we prepared for what’s coming? With ice storms capable of downing power lines and snow totals measured in feet, not inches, this isn’t your average winter weather event.
Controversial take: While some see this as a chance to build snowmen and sip hot cocoa, others argue that our infrastructure isn’t equipped to handle such extreme weather. Are we doing enough to prepare for these increasingly frequent and severe winter storms? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Nikki Nolan and Emily Mae Czachor contributed to this report.
Tags: Storm, Winter Storm, Snow Storm, Snow Totals
