A fast-moving storm late this weekend may bring slippery snow to parts of the Southeast and coastal Northeast, while many major cities see little accumulation but possible travel and airport impacts.

AccuWeather's lead hurricane expert said such a storm has never formed in the Eastern Pacific during the month of January.

A blizzard is a couple of giant steps above a winter storm. According to the National Weather Service, a storm officially qualifies as a blizzard when winds reach or exceed 35 mph and when the visibility drops to only a quarter mile or less. These conditions need to stay active for at least 3 hours.

The first monster storm of 2026 is roaring across the United States, rapidly intensifying into a coast‑to‑coast system that is already disrupting travel, power and daily life for millions. Forecasters say the sprawling winter blast is sweeping from the Northwest into the Plains,

Sticky, unseasonable warmth stretching across the eastern United States this week will set the stage for a sprawling storm system that threatens to bring thunderstorms and heavy rain — weather more typical of spring than the dead of winter — from Thursday through Saturday.

A storm is expected to bring rain and snow to the Los Angeles area this weekend, with gusty winds and possible flooding possible in burn scar areas, forecasters said.