2026 Winter Storm

Prepare before winter storms

This weekend, millions of people across the U.S. are expected to be impacted by dangerous freezing rain, heavy snow, and life-threatening wind chills. 

Areas that typically do not experience severe winter weather, including several states in the south of the country, are in the potential path of the storm. 

• Find the latest information about the 2026 winter storm from FEMA.
• Watch the PSA from the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security to stay safe through the winter storms.

Stay safe

• Temperatures drop - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns about the risks of fires and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from heating equipment, like space heaters and furnaces. Follow the CPSC safety tips to protect your family and home.
• Disaster kit - Learn how to build a basic disaster supplies kit. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of essential items that you may need during an emergency.
• Power outage - Learn how to protect yourself and your family during a power outage. Inclement weather can bring prolonged power outages and can affect the entire community. Have your utility providers' information handy in case of an outage in your area.
• Winter risks - Winter storms heighten the risk of car accidents, hypothermia, and frostbite. If you are under a winter storm warning, find out how to protect you from extreme cold weather.
• Travel safety - Limit unnecessary travel ahead of and during this winter weather event. Many flights are cancelled or delayed. Visit fly.faa.gov to find the status of airports across the country.

Get emergency alerts

During emergencies, public safety officials use reliable systems to keep you informed.

• Learn how to get emergency alerts from Ready.gov. This resource provides information on the available government alert sources and explains how to access them.
• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has activated the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) in response to communications affected by Winter Storm Fern. DIRS is a web-based system that communications providers use to report communications infrastructure status and situational awareness information during times of emergency. Learn more and get winter storm-related updates.

Find shelter

• Search for open shelters by texting SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362.
• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov to find shelter near you.