Nationwide Alert Zone Spans Approximately 2,000 Miles The powerful winter system entered the United States on Saturday, Jan. 25, prompting the National Weather Service to issue alerts that stretched roughly 2,000 miles from the Pacific Northwest to the Atlantic seaboard. Both coastal and interior regions received a mix of heavy snow, freezing rain, and strong winds, creating hazardous travel conditions. Overlapping watches and warnings highlighted the storm’s extensive geographic footprint [1][2].

Over 180 Million Under Ice‑and‑Snow Watches or Warnings More than 180 million Americans were placed under official ice‑and‑snow watches or warnings, signaling a high risk of slippery surfaces and reduced visibility. The alerts targeted urban centers and rural areas alike, urging residents to limit travel and prepare for possible power outages. Emergency managers activated response plans to address the widespread danger [1][2].

More Than 210 Million Receive Cold‑Weather Advisories In addition to ice‑and‑snow alerts, over 210 million people received cold‑weather advisories or warnings, warning of dangerously low temperatures that could cause frostbite and equipment failures. Advisories recommended proper clothing, vehicle preparation, and protection of vulnerable populations. The overlap of cold‑weather and winter‑storm alerts intensified the overall risk profile [1][2].

Live Webcams and Resources Offer Real‑Time Monitoring Both outlets provided collections of live webcams and streaming feeds, allowing viewers to watch the storm’s impacts across the country in real time. The pages linked to local forecasts, car‑emergency kits, frostbite guidance, blizzard explanations, plant‑watering tips, black‑ice warnings, and advice on warming vehicles. These resources aimed to help residents stay safe amid rapidly changing conditions [1][2].