National Weather Service Gives Update on Winter Storm Impacts for the Ohio River Valley

Why Forecasters Are Growing More Confident About January 2026 Winter Storm -
Impacts expected across Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Tennessee

Earlier in the week, I wrote about a possible winter storm that meteorologists were tracking. We’re no strangers to winter weather around here, so I wasn’t overly concerned. Plus, weather forecasting that far out isn’t always very accurate. I’m no meteorologist, but the ones I trust, the ones who don’t constantly post that the sky is falling on social media just to scare people, kept saying, “Wait and see.”

National Weather Service Says It’s Time to Prepare

Well, now that we’re a few days out, our friends at the National Weather Service are saying it’s probably time to grab your bread, eggs, and milk because we are officially under a French Toast Watch.

According to a post from NOAA this morning, an expansive winter storm is expected to produce heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain across the eastern part of the country. Overnight, the band shifted north. Earlier in the week, models showed middle Tennessee around Nashville taking the hardest hit. Now it looks like northern Tennessee, southern Indiana and Illinois, and Kentucky could be ground zero, along with much of the Tri-State region.

Neat.

What the National Weather Service Is Saying

According to the National Weather Service:

“Confidence continues to increase in the potential for a winter storm this weekend along with dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills.”

Around lunchtime, they posted this video which is full of really great info.

UPDATE 1/21/26 @ 2 pm:
Early update, the probabilities of 4 inches or more of snow continue to increase across the region and we have expanded the Winter Storm Watch to include all of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, southeast Missouri and western Kentucky.
The potential for at least some ice working into the snow is increasing along the Kentucky/Tennessee border. Additional shifts in the models are possible as always so don't get to caught up in the specifics. From a planning and action standpoint confidence is high enough that you can assume something of impact will happen, make plans for significant travel impacts Saturday and Sunday and possibly lingering into Monday. Temperatures will be dangerously cold through the storm and following which will exacerbate the threat the storm produces. A full update will come in a few hours and we will do a Facebook live at 1 pm CT with the latest. - National Weather Service

What This Means for Daily Life

Right now, the National Weather Service is predicting moderate impacts to daily life. That typically means driving will be difficult. There is also a 10 to 20 percent chance of major impacts, which would make driving nearly impossible and could lead to most stores closing due to dangerous conditions.

On top of that, there is a 50 to 60 percent chance the Tri-State could see more than four inches of snow.

In other words, this is one to keep an eye on.

Timing of the Storm

While the National Weather Service hasn’t locked in exact timing yet, it’s looking like most of the snow will fall from Saturday afternoon through Sunday.

Friday Night:
A 20 percent chance of snow showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 7. North wind around 10 mph.

Saturday:
Snow showers are likely, mainly afternoon. Cloudy, with a high near 17. Northeast wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday Night:
Snow showers continue. Cloudy, with a low around 12. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph.

Sunday:
A chance of snow showers before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 20. North wind around 8 mph.

What to Do to Prepare

Preparation is key. Here's a list of things to get or do before it's too late.

1. Take Care of the Basics First

• Top off your gas tank, even if you do not plan to drive
• Charge phones, tablets, and portable chargers
• Make sure flashlights work and you have extra batteries

2. Do a Smart Grocery Run
You do not need to panic buy, but a few essentials help.

• Bread, eggs, milk, and coffee
• Easy meals that do not require much cooking
• Snacks and comfort food in case you are stuck inside

3. Prep Your Home

• Set thermostats to keep pipes from freezing
• Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls
• Drip faucets slightly during the coldest periods
• Bring pets inside and check outdoor water bowls

4. Get Ready for Power Issues

• Know where blankets and extra layers are
• Have candles or battery-powered lanterns ready
• Keep one room warmer and close off unused areas

5. Plan for Travel Disruptions

• Avoid unnecessary driving once snow starts
• If you must drive, pack a winter kit with blankets, water, and snacks
• Check school and work plans now so you are not scrambling later

6. Think About Neighbors and Family

• Check on elderly neighbors or relatives
• Make sure kids know the plan if schedules change
• Share updates with family so everyone stays informed

7. Stay Informed

• Download our app to stay up-to-date with changes and closings
• Ignore social media hype that is not backed by trusted sources
• Expect forecasts to change as the storm gets closer

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