Winter Storm Warnings: 8 States, Up to 7 Inches of Snow and 70+ MPH Winds

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings about serious weather conditions that are expected to affect eight American states today in ways that they described as "dangerous."

When dealing with those conditions, there are important tips to learn to maximize your ability to drive safely in whiteout weather conditions and diminish the risk of slipping in your driveway. Those tips are detailed below.

South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan Are Facing Heavy Snow, 70+ MPH Winds, and Dangerous Driving Conditions

A January 16th, 2026, post on The National Weather Service Prediction Center X account provides pivotal updates to a winter storm warning. The effects are described as being centralized to parts of the Midwest as well as the northern and central Plains.

"Damaging" 70 MPH Winds:

The National Weather Service has cautioned that parts of the northern and central High Plains are forecast to deal with strong winds, including "wind gusts above 70 MPH." The agency warned that the high-speed gusts that they label as "damaging" could cause extensive destruction. "[The storms] may create scattered power outages. Any power outages will be particularly dangerous as sub-zero wind chills arrive behind the cold front."

Whiteout Conditions Causing Dangerous Driving:

The National Weather Service explicitly states that the powerful could create "near-zero visibility on the Plains." Additionally, it is forecasted that theere will be "hazardous travel, especially for high-profile vehicles."

Up to 8 Inches of Snow:

The National Weather Service states that snow squalls are expected throughout all affected regions, with a cold front developing for the Dakotas and Nebraska. The update doesn't provide a measure of the snow that is expected to accumulate during this weather pattern. However, a separate winter storm warning that also affects a Midwest state, Michigan, is forecast to receive eight inches of snow or more in some areas, with two to seven inches possible in other parts of the state.

How To Best Drive in Whiteout Conditions and Cope With Slippery and Frozen Surfaces in Your Driveway

Given the calls for near-zero visibility in some areas of the Midwest, it would be wise to avoid traveling in the affected regions. However, for those who have to travel, there is some fantastic advice to consider. In January 2026, Men's Journal's Automotive Writer Brian Iselin stared a detailed take on driving during periods of high wind and snowfall combined.

Iselin's coverage begins with guidance for drivers to understand the risks of traveling in low winter storm conditions, which can include slowdowns and multi-car wrecks. He goes on to advise traveling during the day, driving slowly, leaving large gaps between your vehicle and the one in front of it, and avoiding passing snowplows. Iselin also suggests filling up on gas and doing a gear check before departure to ensure you have items like cables, chains, a headlamp, a blanket, water, and snacks. Iselin also explains how not to fall for what he describes as the “looks fine right now” trap. Check weather services for detailed information before leaving, instead of just looking outside and judging if you can safely drive for yourself.

Snow accumulation often leads to slippery conditions in people's driveways, whether there are specific icy conditions forecasted or not. With that in mind, a Men's Journal article that cites the House Digest provides a tip for how homeowners can get rid of the slippery and frozen surfaces if they don't have ice salt or choose not to use it. While it won't be as effective as traditional commercial deicing products in cases of extreme snow or ice buildup, sugar beet juice lowers the freezing point of chemicals. That is the same process that makes ice salt effective. The added benefits of using sugar beet juice in these instances are that it isn't destructive to your driveway surface, it isn't toxic for animals, and it is a good alternative if you don't have other options and can't travel to get one. The Men's Journal article also provides valuable advice on how you can protect your driveway in the long term once the snowy season has finished.