01/22/2026
A major winter storm is increasingly likely to impact the region this weekend, and confidence continues to grow that this could be a high‑impact, potentially historic event. Model guidance has remained remarkably consistent, with both the GFS and Euro continuing to trend upward with snowfall projections over the last several cycles.
Current Ohio Valley Weather Watch expectations call for 10–14 inches of snow across portions of southern Illinois, southern Indiana (including the Evansville Metro), and areas along the river in northern and northwest Kentucky. Significantly higher totals remain possible in areas where heavier snow bands develop and persist, supported by high snow ratios. Some north/south shifts remain possible with the system. This system is still 48 hours out, and changes are likely to occur.
To the north and south of the primary axis, 6–10 inches of snow is expected. Across portions of western Kentucky, particularly near the Western Kentucky Parkway, sleet mixing in is possible, which could slightly reduce totals in those localized areas.
This system is expected to produce high snow ratios, meaning a dry, powdery snow that accumulates quickly. Even modest liquid-equivalent amounts could translate into impressive totals. As the storm intensifies, blowing and drifting snow may become an issue, with several model solutions showing wind gusts near 20 mph at times.
All signs continue to point toward a major, and potentially historic, winter storm impacting the region. Confidence is high in the overall setup, though fine‑tuning of the heaviest snow axis will continue as higher‑resolution data comes in.
This is a system that warrants close attention as updated guidance arrives.
Snow map provided by Ohio Valley Weather Watch Meteorologist Graham Martin
-Certified Forecaster Tony
