Winter Storm Warnings Affecting 10 States as Up to 48 Inches of Snow and 50 MPH Winds, and 'Dangerously Cold Temperatures' Hit
Updated: January 19th to reflect more severe snowfall forecasted in New York.
Major weather systems are currently affecting the residents of several American states. This article will detail the powerful gusts of wind, the temperatures that feel sub-zero, the snow that is piling up, and the hazardous travel conditions that are being created. It will also help you decide which gloves and coats you can buy to cope with those kinds of conditions.
Extreme Cold Concerns and Winter Storm Warnings Hit Parts of the Northeast and Upper Midwest
As of January 19, 2026, winter storm warnings issued by the National Weather Service remain active, as the government agency warns of more bad weather to come. This article summarizes what to expect.
Michigan:
Michigan is currently dealing with a winter storm that is affecting the Upper and Northern Lower Peninsula areas of Alger County, Luce County, Western Chippewa County, and Northern Schoolcraft County. These areas are all facing heavy lake-effect snow, with as much as eight inches of snow and 35 mph winds incoming in the worst affected areas. Those conditions will make travel perilous in some counties until January 20th at 7 a.m. EST.
New York:
The Buffalo National Weather Service has issued a warning for western and northern New York that is expected to last until January 21st, at 4 p.m. EST. The cities named in the warning are Niagara Falls, Medina, Buffalo, Batavia, Oswego, Watertown, Warsaw, Jamestown, Olean, Orchard Park, Springville, and Lowville. The worst affected of those areas are expected to face wind speeds that could reach 50 MPH, wind chills that will make it feel like −15°F, and snow accumulation of as much as 48 inches. At the height of the weather system, three to five inches could fall per hour. Those factors could cause traveling to become "potentially life-threatening."
The United States' North-Central and Northeastern Regions:
On January 18, 2026, the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center account posted about what residents of the north-central to northeastern areas of America can soon expect. Based on that post's description, states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, and Maine face risks from dangerously cold temperatures. The post warns that "dangerously cold temperatures" are forecast to affect the area in "the next few days." While specific numbers aren't listed, the post underlines how cold it is expected to be by warning about the dangers of frostbite and hypothermia.
Dangerously cold temperatures are forecast to impact the north-central to northeastern United States over the next few days. Be sure to wear warm clothing if outdoors and know what to do if someone might have frostbite or hypothermia. ???? pic.twitter.com/SD1jGMPqRK
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) January 18, 2026
How To Best Keep Warm in Sub-Zero Temperatures
When the temperatures drop, or they feel like they have, the best course of action is to stay inside if you have a warm place you can be. However, that isn't an option for everyone. For those who are going out in the cold, Men's Journal's gear writer, Justin Park, has excellent advice. Park has written an article dedicated to the best skiing and snowboarding gloves to wear to stay warm. Whether you are going down a mountainside for fun or just trying to avoid the dangers of extreme cold, the article is a valuable resource.
Similarly, Men's Journal style and travel writer Paul Jebara put together an article listing puffer jackets that will "keep you one step ahead of winter." The article lists several jackets that will do a great job keeping people warm in a blizzard, with prices ranging from as low as $70.