🚨 Winter Storm Alert: High-Impact Weather Expected Friday Through Sunday (Jan 23–25 2026)

**Hyfield Trucking Safety Update – January 21, 2026**

A **major winter storm system**, now being tracked across a huge portion of the United States, is expected to make travel **dangerous this weekend — Friday through Sunday, January 23–25**. This system — sometimes being called **Winter Storm Fern** — is forecast to bring a **wide swath of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and extreme cold** across much of the central and eastern U.S., from Texas and Oklahoma to the Carolinas and beyond.

🌨 What the Forecast Shows

* **Widespread wintry precipitation:** Snow, sleet, and freezing rain are expected to develop Friday and continue through the weekend, with significant icing and snow accumulations possible in areas that rarely see such conditions.

* **Storm track:** The system will likely start impacting parts of the Southern Plains on Friday, move into the Tennessee Valley and Southeast Saturday, and reach the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast by Sunday.

* **Storm breadth:** More than **175 million people** are estimated to be in the storm’s potential path, with disruptions possible across **30+ states**.

* **Arctic cold blast:** Following the storm, temperatures are forecast to remain very low, increasing the risk of prolonged hazardous travel conditions and equipment stress.

📍 Current Watches & Warnings

The **National Weather Service** has already issued **Winter Storm Watches** and related alerts for multiple regions ahead of the storm’s arrival:

* Winter Storm Watches are in effect in parts of **Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana**, and surrounding areas, with **snow and ice accumulations of several inches possible**.

* A **Winter Storm Watch** is in place across **North and Central Texas** starting Friday, with freezing rain and sleet transitioning to snow and dangerously cold temperatures holding below freezing through the weekend.

⚠️ *These watches mean conditions are favorable for significant snow, ice, and dangerous road conditions, but the exact track and timing are still being refined and may change.*

🚛 What This Means for Trucking

This forecast has **major implications for freight operations and road travel**:

❄️ Dangerous Roads & Reduced Visibility

* Snow and ice can rapidly accumulate on **interstates and ramps** — especially bridges and overpasses — leading to **slippery surfaces and reduced traction**.

* Heavy snow bands and blowing snow can **reduce visibility to near zero**, increasing the risk of collisions and rollovers.

🧊 Freezing Rain & Ice Build-Up

* Even thin layers of ice on roadways and equipment can cause loss of control.

* Ice accumulation on **truck components, brakes, and air lines** can lead to mechanical issues and safety concerns.

🌬 Extreme Cold Stress

* Sub-freezing temperatures for long periods will **strain fuel systems, batteries, and tires**, increasing the likelihood of breakdowns.

* Drivers must prepare for **extended cold exposure** if stranded.

📌 Safety Recommendations

To help keep our drivers safe, please consider the following:

✔ **Check updates frequently:** Storm forecasts are evolving; keep tuned to real time weather and road conditions.

✔ **Adjust schedules:** If possible, **delay travel** into the weekend until conditions improve.

✔ **Reduce speeds & increase following distances** in snow, ice, and low-visibility conditions.

✔ **Inspect trucks before departure:** Pay special attention to **tire tread, antifreeze levels, brakes, and lights. Make sure you have Anti-Gel for sub freezing temps**.

✔ **Carry cold weather gear:** Blankets, extra layers, food, water, and a fully charged phone can be lifesaving in an emergency.

✔ **Communicate routes:** Let dispatch know if you plan to alter or delay routes due to weather. Communication is key!

As always, maintenance is available 24/7 should you have any questions regarding equipment. Please also refer to your maintenance sheet in your permit binder or in your Fleetio app for the types of anti-gel and other fluids that Hyfield uses.

Safe travels and stay warm out there.