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A major winter storm followed by a prolonged surge of Arctic cold is expected to impact the Ohio Valley and Tennessee Valley, affecting Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia from Thursday, January 22, through Sunday, January 26, according to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center.
Forecasters say confidence is increasing that the region will experience widespread winter weather impacts, including snow, sleet, freezing rain, and life-threatening cold, with disruptions likely continuing into early next week.
Snow and Ice Likely Across the Region
The storm is expected to spread into the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys late Friday, continuing through much of the weekend.
- Ohio and West Virginia are expected to see a higher likelihood of accumulating snow, particularly in northern and higher-elevation areas, which could lead to hazardous travel and reduced visibility.
- Kentucky and Tennessee face a greater risk of mixed precipitation, including freezing rain and sleet, especially across central and eastern portions of both states.
Even light ice accumulation could result in slick roads, downed tree limbs, and scattered power outages, particularly where freezing rain persists.
Extreme Cold Follows the Storm
Behind the storm system, Arctic air will overspread the region, pushing temperatures well below normal from late Saturday through early next week.
- Overnight lows may fall into the single digits and teens, with sub-zero wind chills possible across Ohio, West Virginia, and eastern Kentucky.
- In parts of Tennessee and western Kentucky, prolonged freezing temperatures could still pose risks to pipes, infrastructure, and livestock.
The extended duration of cold increases the danger of hypothermia and frostbite, especially for anyone without adequate shelter or heating.
Travel and Safety Impacts
The combination of winter precipitation and extreme cold is expected to cause significant travel disruptions, particularly on major interstates and rural roadways. Officials urge residents to prepare ahead of time, limit unnecessary travel, and check on vulnerable individuals…