Millions of Americans prepare for potentially catastrophic ice storm. Heres what the numbers show01/23/2026KENNESAW, Ga. (AP) — Millions of Americans are bracing for a potentially catastrophic ice storm from New Mexico to the Carolinas. Forecasters say it could crush trees, power lines, and cause power outages for days. Big cities including Washington, D.C. and New York City might see enough snow to make travel nearly impossible. About 160 million people were under a variety of watches, warnings and other winter storm alerts. That's nearly half the U.S. population. The storm is expected to begin Friday and continue through the weekend, as an atmospheric river of moisture could pull precipitation across Texas and other Gulf Coast states.