Winter Weather Hits Midwest and Southern States

Sat Jan 17 2026 23:05:17 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A winter storm brings snowfall and freezing temperatures to the Midwest and parts of the South, with unusual weather conditions expected in Florida.

A powerful winter storm is forecasted to blanket the Midwest and Eastern U.S. with heavy snowfall and below-freezing temperatures this weekend. Northeastern Ohio is already experiencing snow squalls, leading to whiteout conditions. Cold temperatures are expected to extend to southern states, including Florida, where some areas may see rare snowfall.

HOUSTON (RTW) — A blast of winter weather is set to bring snowfall and subfreezing wind chills across the Midwest and East Coast this weekend, with near-freezing temperatures even affecting typically warm regions in the South, including Florida.

Northeastern Ohio has already begun to experience snow squalls—sudden bursts of heavy snow and gusty winds—creating hazardous whiteout conditions, as reported by the National Weather Service. Snow squalls are projected to shift into the Cleveland metro area and advance eastward into Pennsylvania and parts of eastern New York.

Travel will likely become treacherous, with expected visibilities of less than a quarter of a mile and rapid snow accumulation on roadways. The National Weather Service is urging caution during these periods of heavy snowfall.

As the storm approaches, below-average temperatures are anticipated across much of the Central and Eastern U.S. through early next week. The Weather Prediction Center noted that sub-zero wind chills could be felt from the Plains to the Midwest, particularly in the Upper Midwest where wind chills may drop significantly on Sunday night.

Snowfall is expected to cover parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island by Sunday night, with some localities potentially receiving up to 4 inches of snow.

The cold front won’t spare southern states either, as places like Oklahoma, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida are likely to face near-freezing temperatures throughout the weekend. In Tallahassee, Florida, there’s a chance of seeing snow on Sunday morning; however, meteorologists believe accumulation may be unlikely due to warmer ground temperatures. If it does occur, it would mark the second time in as many years that Florida has witnessed such unusual winter weather.

In January 2025, record-breaking snowfall impacted the Florida Panhandle, bringing up to 10 inches of snow to the region. This year’s forecast seems to reiterate the unpredictability of winter weather in typically warmer areas.

As parts of central Georgia prepare for up to 1 inch of snow, residents are also advised to be cautious of slippery roads as snow and leftover moisture is expected to refreeze by Sunday night into Monday morning.