The Winter Storm Slamming America Is Now Forecast to Be More Severe Than Warnings Predicted in the Worst Way
The winter storm currently slamming much of America was initially forecast to bring heavy snow, extreme cold, and strong winds. However, the biggest concern has been extreme ice accumulation because experts say that it can be far more destructive.
Meteorologists Are Now Predicting Very Thick Layers of Ice
Early reports about the current storm, including a January 21, 2026, Fox Weather X post featuring meteorologist Melanie Black, called for ice to become more than half an inch thick. While those predictions allowed for larger amounts, experts are now predicting higher thresholds, which causes far more serious concerns for residents.
Matthew Cappucci is a senior meteorologist for the MyRadar app and a Washington Post contributor, who was named the 2023 National Weatherperson of the Year by the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc. On January 23, 2026, Cappucci posted on X, warning of up to 1 to 1.5 inches of ice in parts of Mississippi: "I’m in Oxford, Mississippi where we could see 1 to 1.5 inches of ice! That will bring SEVERE impacts! Very concerned about Tupelo and Monroe too."
On the same day, WYFF 4 Chief Meteorologist Chris Justus wrote on Facebook that models call for up to an inch and a quarter of ice arriving in South Carolina. "Midday Models Hold Steady — Ice could Be crippling. The latest midday model runs continue to show crippling ice totals, with the highest amounts now focused on the Upstate of South Carolina, in the 0.75” to 1.25” range. That level of ice would have serious implications for trees, power lines, and travel." The only possible saving grace in that case was that Justus believed that enough sleet falling could lessen the effects. "One thing that could help us: more sleet mixed in. Sleet lasting longer would reduce ice accretion — and that’s what I’ll be watching closely (and yes, praying for)."
Why Increased Ice Accumulation Could Be A Worst-Case Scenario for This Storm System
When winter storm forecasts predict 30 inches of snow and less than two inches of ice, the larger number typically is what garners attention. Yet experts point out that ice, even in smaller amounts, is much more dangerous due to its potential to create widespread destruction.
A recent Weather.com article explained the severe effects that ice over half an inch can create. "Once ice accumulations exceed one-half inch, the most high-end impacts can occur, including widespread severe tree damage and power outages that may last for days." That article went on to state that "the most devastating storms contain ice accumulations of an inch or more."
Those expert explanations show why 1.5 inches of ice could represent a worst-case outcome for this storm. That alone could potentially cause lengthy outages, severe damage, road closures, and emergency crews struggling to travel.