America is bracing itself for snow this weekend, with forecasts predicting that more than half of the United States is facing what CNN is calling “one of the most sprawling and menacing winter storms in years.” According to the Weather Channel, starting on Friday, more than 230 million people from Texas to New England and beyond could see severe ice and snow before the storm wraps up on Monday.
With New York City facing up to 12 inches of snow, Lonnie Quinn, chief weathermaster at CBS New York, took a closer look at historical weather data—and noticed a strange pattern, which he detailed on air.
“What’s With the Sixes?”
According to Quinn, some of the largest snowstorms that New York has faced have occurred in years ending with 6: In January 1996, there was a storm that dumped 20.2 inches on the city, which Quinn noted was the fifth-largest in the city’s history. Ten years later, a February storm blanketed the city in 26.9 inches of snow. Ten years after that, New York City saw the largest snowfall in its history—a whopping 27.5 inches.
“New Yorkers have got to be scratching their heads, asking ‘What’s with the sixes?’ ” Quinn said. “What does 10 years later, this Sunday [in] 2026, hold? We shall find out.”
Some commenters took the opportunity to reminisce about past storms, while others drew comparisons between the pattern and the mark of the beast. “Weathermen work hard but the devil works harder,” said one commenter, while another jokingly remarked that “Satan [is] coming for New York.”
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service is predicting wind chills reaching -50° F in the Northern Plains and “sub-zero wind chills reaching as far southeast as the Mid-Atlantic, Mid-Mississippi Valley, and Southern Plains.” And don’t expect those cold temps to let up: “Much below normal temperatures are likely to continue across much of the eastern half of the Lower-48 through the end of January into early February.”
Here are the latest Key Messages on the dangerous wind chills and bitterly cold temperatures that will move across the Northern and Central Plains into Northeast over the next week! pic.twitter.com/IoRqXMc4Au
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) January 22, 2026
Winter Weather Terminiology, Explained
Local offices will issue winter storm warnings, watches, and advisories based on the predicted severity of the weather in a particular area. (As the NWS explains, “the amount of snow that triggers a “Winter Storm Warning” in the Northern Plains is typically much higher than the amount needed to trigger a “Winter Storm Warning” in the Southeast.”) Here’s the difference between the terms, as defined by the NWS:
- Winter Storm Warnings: “issued for a significant winter weather event including snow, ice, sleet or blowing snow or a combination of these hazards. Travel will become difficult or impossible in some situations. Delay your travel plans until conditions improve.” Warnings may also be issued for blizzards, ice storms, wind chills, and lake effect snow.
- Winter Storm Watches: “issued when conditions are favorable for a significant winter storm event (heavy sleet, heavy snow, ice storm, heavy snow and blowing snow or a combination of events).” You might also see watches issued for wind chills.
- Winter Weather Advisories: “issued when snow, blowing snow, ice, sleet, or a combination of these wintry elements is expected but conditions should not be hazardous enough to meet warning criteria. Be prepared for winter driving conditions and possible travel difficulties. Use caution when driving.” Advisories are also issued for wind chill and lake effect snow.
If you’re in one of the areas that might be impacted by the storm, read up on how to prepare.
