As of today, the critical question on many drivers’ minds is are the roads safe to drive on right now amid a major winter storm affecting much of the United States. Across the country, from the Gulf Coast to the Northeast, road safety varies widely depending on recent weather events, local cleanup efforts, and ongoing freezing conditions. Current conditions show that many roads remain hazardous, while some major highways have improved. This comprehensive update reflects the most current road safety status in the U.S. as of January 26, 2026.
Current Nationwide Travel Impact
A powerful winter storm that has moved across numerous states continues to affect roadways and travel safety. Snow, sleet, freezing rain, and plummeting temperatures have created dangerous conditions on many streets and highways. In several states, officials strongly advise against travel unless absolutely necessary.
The storm’s remnants persist in producing icy surfaces and slippery conditions, especially on rural and untreated roads. Interstate travel has improved on some major routes, but many side roads and overpasses remain slick and unpredictable.
South and Southeast: Ongoing Ice and Caution
Georgia and Metro Atlanta Region
In Georgia, winter weather has left lingering ice on many roads, particularly on smaller side streets and secondary routes that have not yet been fully treated or cleared. Major thoroughfares such as I-20 and the Stone Mountain Freeway are largely cleared and passable, but authorities warn drivers that untreated roads remain treacherous. Drivers need to exercise caution and plan alternate routes where possible.
Houston-Area Roads, Texas
In the Houston region, icy surfaces remain a major concern. Several elevated roadways, overpasses, and bridges are slippery, and parts of multiple roads and highways remain closed due to hazardous conditions. While some streets have started to thaw, officials continue to warn residents to use extreme caution.
North Texas and Central Texas
North Texas saw significant freezing precipitation, leaving many roads icy and travel still dangerous. Bitterly cold temperatures early this week have prevented ice from melting, which continues to impact driving conditions. In San Antonio, a fatal multi-vehicle crash on Highway 90 was linked to icy road conditions and underscores the risks drivers face in winter weather.
Alabama and Surrounding States
Across parts of Alabama and neighboring areas, patches of black ice have been reported on roads. Law enforcement and transportation agencies recommend delaying travel when possible, especially in early morning and evening hours when temperatures dip and ice forms.
Mid-Atlantic and Northeast: Snow, Ice, and Slow Recovery
Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV Area)
In the DMV area, snow has largely stopped, but ice remains widespread and dangerous. Authorities, including the Maryland Department of Transportation and Virginia State Police, have urged drivers to stay off the roads. Ice and freezing rain have required continuous plowing efforts and treatment, with crews working long shifts to improve conditions. Drivers who must travel are warned to slow down, monitor conditions before departing, and avoid travel if possible.
New York and Tri-State Area
The Northeast experienced heavy snow and sleet as the storm passed through. In New York City and surrounding areas, significant snowfall totals have led to hazardous driving conditions with snow-packed and slick surfaces in many locations. Travel remains dangerous on roads not yet fully cleared or treated.
Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Region
In and around Philadelphia, crews are actively clearing snow and ice from major routes, but conditions on many secondary roads are still rough. Drivers are advised to check live updates and avoid travel unless necessary, especially early in the day.
Central and Plains States: Slick Conditions Despite Improvements
Oklahoma Roads
In parts of Oklahoma, winter weather crews have made progress on major interstates like I-35 and I-40, spreading sand and salt to improve travel. Despite progress, many highways remain slick, with snow-packed areas and occasional black ice that drivers must navigate. Travel agencies continue to strongly discourage non-essential trips while roads are still being treated.
Central Plains and Beyond
Across the central Plains and into parts of Arkansas and Missouri, winter weather impacts persist on roads. State DOT and safety advisories continue to emphasize the need to slow down and expect unpredictable ice or snow patches, especially on bridges and shaded areas where thaw and refreeze cycles can cause sudden slick spots.
Western and Northwest States: Mixed Conditions
Washington State
In western Washington, snow and ice events can create snow-packed and slick segments, particularly in elevated areas or rural routes. State transportation departments emphasize that plows prioritize major routes first and that drivers should check official travel condition pages or calls for their region before leaving. Snow chains, winter kits, and caution are advised if travel cannot be avoided.
New Mexico
Parts of New Mexico continue to experience difficult driving conditions due to winter weather impacts. Elevation changes and ongoing snow and freeze cycles mean that secondary roads could remain hazardous longer than main routes.
How Road Safety Varies Right Now
The question are the roads safe to drive on right now does not have a simple “yes” or “no” answer. Road safety is currently conditional and region-specific:
- Major highways and interstates tend to be safer because they are the first priority for plowing and treatment crews, and most now show improvements.
- Secondary roads, bridges, overpasses, and rural routes remain hazardous in many areas due to lingering ice and untreated surfaces.
- Morning and evening hours pose increased risk because refreezing occurs with dropping temperatures.
- Local advisories remain in place in many states, urging drivers to minimize travel and check road conditions before departure.
Drivers who must travel are strongly encouraged to use official state 511 systems or DOT road condition maps, slow down, maintain extra distance behind other vehicles, and prepare for sudden changes in traction. Vehicle winter kits and preparedness are also key to staying safe on icy or snowy roads.
Current Safety Recommendations for Drivers
If you are considering travel today, keep the following safety practices in mind:
- Check road conditions before leaving using state DOT 511 systems or official travel advisories.
- Slow your speed and allow extra distance between vehicles.
- Avoid elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses where ice tends to form first.
- Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle before departure.
- Consider postponing travel if conditions are uncertain or poor.
These precautions are essential to navigating the varied road conditions across the country right now.
Final Assessment
In summary, are the roads safe to drive on right now? The answer is mixed and dependent on your location. While some major routes show improvement and have been treated, many smaller roads still present significant hazards due to snow, ice, and freezing conditions. Travel should be approached with caution, and in many areas it’s safest to delay trips until road conditions improve further.
Share your local road experiences in the comments and let others know how conditions are where you are this morning.