As of today, are the roads safe to drive on right now is a critical question for millions of Americans amid ongoing winter weather impacts. Across large swaths of the U.S., major and secondary roads are experiencing hazardous conditions due to a massive winter storm, leaving drivers to face slick surfaces, ice, snow, and continuing travel disruption. Here’s the latest, verified, and fully factual status on road safety and travel conditions as of January 26, 2026.
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Nationwide Road Conditions – Major Storm Impact
A powerful winter storm system spanning from Texas to New England continues to affect road safety nationwide. The storm brought heavy snow, freezing rain, and subzero temperatures, creating dangerous travel conditions in multiple regions. Officials across at least 26 states are alerting residents to treacherous driving conditions with lingering ice and snow on road surfaces.
Key Nationwide Impacts
- Snow and ice accumulation persists on many roadways in the Eastern and Central U.S.
- Power outages and severe cold have complicated road treatment and cleanup efforts in many areas.
- Authorities in several states urge residents to avoid non-essential travel.
Regional Road Conditions – What’s Happening Now
South and Southeast
- Georgia & North Georgia: Dangerous refreezing and lingering ice on roads remain possible following an ice storm, particularly on untreated secondary roads.
- North Carolina: While some major highways like I-40 are mostly clear, secondary roads and bridges are still icy and pose significant hazards.
- Alabama: Reports of black ice and slick patches persist, with law enforcement advising extreme caution if travel is necessary.
Texas and Central U.S.
- Central Texas & Houston: Some roads remain slick with ice, especially on elevated surfaces and untreated stretches. Major highways like I-35 have been treated, but icy patches still exist early Monday.
- San Antonio: A serious multi-vehicle crash related to hazardous road conditions has closed part of Highway 90 this morning, with reported ice contributing to the risk.
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic
- New York & Tri-State: Heavy snow and continued winter weather have impacted roads, prompting authorities to caution against travel.
- Philadelphia: Road crews continue cleanup, but icy surfaces still make travel dangerous.
- Delaware: Driving restrictions have been downgraded, but ice accumulation and black ice remain a concern.
Current Travel Advisories and Safety Reminders
Winter Weather Advisories
The National Weather Service continues to maintain winter weather advisories across multiple states, highlighting continued risk of freezing rain, snow, and ice that will affect road surfaces today. Drivers are urged to check up-to-date conditions via state 511 systems or transportation department alerts before traveling.
General Road Safety Tips Right Now
Local transportation officials urge drivers to:
- Reduce speed and leave extra stopping distance.
- Expect ice on bridges and overpasses even if main roads appear clear.
- Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary in icy conditions.
- Monitor live conditions from state DOT road condition pages.
States Where Roads Are Currently Showing Improvement
Not all areas are facing severe travel disruption this morning:
- In Beaumont, Texas, major highways like I-10 and U.S. 69 are reporting relatively smooth travel with light traffic, likely due to lower travel demand and school closures.
- Some primary routes in other regions have been plowed and treated and are in better condition than secondary roads. However, this improvement does not extend uniformly across all states.
What This Means for Drivers Today
Across the U.S., the picture is mixed — certain routes, especially major interstates and highways, are safer than local roads, but icy patches, particularly on secondary roads and bridges, continue to present significant hazards. Weather advisories and emergency warnings emphasize that travel should be limited to essential trips only in many affected regions. With freezing temperatures likely to persist, roads could refreeze overnight, meaning current improvements might be short-lived.
Road Safety Bottom Line as of January 26, 2026
Right now, are the roads safe to drive on right now? The answer remains cautious and conditional. Major routes in some areas are passable and show improvement, but many other roads — especially secondary streets, rural areas, bridges, and elevated sections — remain unsafe due to ice and snow. Drivers must stay updated on local road conditions and follow all travel advisories.
Let us know in the comments how driving conditions are where you live and what precautions you’re taking today.
