Parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and the northern U.S. states are facing an extremely cold wave, and meteorologists warn that temperatures could drop as low as minus 46 degrees Celsius in some areas of Minnesota and North Dakota.
Cold air from Canada is accompanied by a massive, multi-day winter storm threatening heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and potentially catastrophic damage to infrastructure, the AP reported.
In Texas and Oklahoma, preparations are underway — utility services in Houston have deployed 3,300 workers for emergency interventions, while the Oklahoma Department of Transportation has salted highways and interstates. Freezing rain and sleet have already been recorded in New Mexico, while meteorologists forecast up to 30 centimeters of snow along the storm’s path from Oklahoma through Washington, New York, and Boston, Tanjug reports.
The icy wave and snowfall are expected to put strain on power lines and tree branches, which could cause multi-day power outages, and meteorologists warn that roads and sidewalks may remain dangerous into next week.
The “Back in my day” crowd (myself included) loves to mock how soft Chicago has become about severe weather. But it was INSANE that we used to go to school in brutal storms and then were just sent on their way. I walked home from St. Jude after a historic storm. I was 7 yrs old. pic.twitter.com/vIDzRKTDfR
— Richard Roeper (@RichardERoeper) January 23, 2026
In areas such as Chicago and Des Moines, schools have canceled classes, while residents have been stocking up on basic supplies — bread, milk, generators, and heaters. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the power grid has “never been stronger,” alluding to previous major power outages, while the governors of Georgia and Mississippi have declared a state of emergency.
Airlines have canceled hundreds of flights scheduled for today and tomorrow, including at airports in Dallas, Atlanta, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa.
Meteorologists warn that areas with the worst weather may only be identified once the storm arrives, and citizens are urged to exercise caution and stay at home if possible.
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Source:Tanjug; Foto: Printscreen X