Source: APNews; BBC; NPR; ABC
Date: 22nd January 2026 

Widespread ice, snow and extreme cold forecast from Texas to the Carolinas may severely impact transport networks and supply chains.

Meteorological authorities are warning of a severe winter storm expected to develop across large parts of the southern United States, potentially creating widespread ice accumulation, heavy snow and prolonged freezing conditions from Texas through to the Carolinas. The storm is forecast to arrive later this week and intensify over the weekend, with conditions severe enough to damage power infrastructure and paralyse transport networks.

According to national weather agencies, the event will be driven by a powerful arctic air mass moving south from Canada, colliding with moisture flowing in from the Gulf of Mexico. This combination is expected to generate extensive freezing rain, sleet and snow, with ice build-up posing the greatest risk to roads, power lines and urban infrastructure. Low temperatures following the storm may prevent ice from melting for several days.

Forecasters also anticipate the development of an atmospheric river stretching across the southern states, increasing precipitation intensity and expanding the geographical footprint of the storm. Several major metropolitan areas in the Southeast could experience persistent sub-zero conditions, heightening the risk of prolonged disruption to travel and public services.

Transport authorities have flagged significant risks to both ground and air travel. Southern states typically operate with limited snow and ice removal equipment, meaning highways may become impassable for extended periods. Major logistics and aviation hubs, including those serving Dallas, Atlanta, Memphis and Charlotte, are expected to face delays, cancellations and operational shutdowns.

The northern United States is simultaneously experiencing record-low temperatures, reinforcing system-wide strain across national logistics networks. Early impacts in Texas may serve as a precursor for broader regional disruption, with ongoing uncertainty around the precise severity and geographical concentration of ice and snowfall.

Logistics Impact Assessment by Mode
Air Freight (High impact expected)
Major hub airports across the South are likely to face flight cancellations, ground handling delays, de-icing congestion and crew disruptions. Cold temperatures may limit aircraft availability and create cascading delays across domestic and international networks.

Advice:

• Pre-emptively re-route time-critical cargo via alternative hubs.
• Build buffer time into delivery schedules.
• Expect capacity tightening and premium surcharges.

Ocean Freight (Moderate indirect impact)
Ports in the Gulf Coast and Southeast may experience truck gate congestion, vessel schedule slippage and hinterland connectivity issues. While ocean operations may continue, inland distribution is likely to be the main bottleneck.

Advice:

• Anticipate delays in last-mile delivery from ports.
• Coordinate with drayage partners early.
• Increase dwell time allowances.

Rail Freight (High impact in affected corridors)
Freezing conditions and ice accumulation can affect rail switching systems, signalling, and terminal operations, particularly in the southern U.S. where winter hardening is limited.

Advice:

• Prepare for slower transit times and rerouting.
• Monitor intermodal rail capacity closely.
• Secure contingency trucking options.

Road Freight (Severe impact expected)
Road transport will be the most affected mode. Ice-covered highways, accidents, road closures and driver shortages are likely, with limited snow-clearing capacity in southern states.

Advice:

• Expect widespread delays and missed delivery windows.
• Increase safety stock and inventory buffers.
• Avoid just-in-time dependency for critical cargo.

Shippers face immediate risks of shipment delays, contract non-performance and rising spot freight costs. Ice-related road closures and airport shutdowns may force postponements, rerouting and higher insurance exposure.

Importers relying on southern U.S. gateways may experience inventory shortages, port congestion and extended customs clearance times. Cold-chain cargo, food products and pharmaceuticals are particularly exposed.

Exporters may struggle to move outbound goods to ports and airports, missing vessel cut-offs and flight connections. Production schedules could be affected if inbound components are delayed, especially in manufacturing and retail sectors.

This storm represents a classic systemic risk event, not just a weather issue, but a multi-modal supply chain disruption. The greatest threat is not a single day of shutdown, but multi-day operational paralysis caused by persistent ice, power outages and limited recovery capacity.