Ready for Snowmageddon 2026?

Ready for Snowmageddon 2026?

With epic storms, snow falls quickly with considerable accumulation. Now add temperatures in the single digits and you have our current weekend forecast.

Eileen Slovak

January 23, 2026

2–3 minutes

#snow, Blizzard, HeavySnowFall, Nature, Nor’easter, snowmageddon, travel, weather, Winter, WinterStorm

Where were you in 2010 when the big storm hit the Metro DC area? I was living in Italy and my friends living in Maryland and Virginia were sending me crazy snow accumulation photos.

I love snow and was upset we missed it. But too much snow can be devastating, especially if you’re not prepared. We’ve learned from past storms.

As a child, I also remember the blizzard of 1978. This was the historic storm that dumped 40 inches of snow in about 24 hours. Somewhere there’s a photograph of my sister and I, sitting in an igloo we built in the backyard.

With epic storms, snow falls quickly with considerable accumulation. Now add temperatures in the single digits and you have our current weekend forecast. We also do not have as many storms here in Virginia as we had in New England. So it’s easy to be caught off guard and end up stranded. Power outages, overburdened resources, and supply shortages exacerbate matters and create panic.

Good preparation can help ease the panic. By now let’s hope you have adequate food and water supplies on hand and that you plan to stay home this weekend. Remember, if you have a well and not a public water source, losing power may mean you don’t have water.

Here are a few tips from your friend who has weathered some storms:

Stay on top of snow totals with resources like “The National Weather Service”. https://www.weather.gov/
Fill up your cars gas tank even if you plan to stay put. Place some blankets, water, and snacks in your back seat. Keep a first aid kit, a travel shovel, ice scarper and jumper cables on hand. Top off freeze proof windshield washer fluid.
Heavy snow can wipe out power lines. Charge everything electronic that you own today! If you have a battery back up, charge that too.
At home, gather outerwear, blankets, flash lights, candles and emergency supplies. If you have a generator or a neighbor with one, lucky you!
Place your snow shovels and rock salt on your porch or near your back door.
Make sure you have all of your necessary medications on hand.
If you have a gas grill outside, check to see if you have a full propane tank.
Keep your home thermostat set warm in advance of the storm.
Don’t forget your pets when stocking up on food and supplies.
Do laundry and dishes now. Have paper plates on hand.
Cook some meals ahead if you have time or purchase prepared meals.
Place a cooler on the back porch in case you lose power and need mother nature’s help.
Check on family, friends and neighbors who live alone and make sure they are prepared.
When shoveling, have an action plan. Shovel driveways and walks at several intervals throughout the storm. This way, you’re not trying to move 2 feet of snow all at once.