Winter Blizzard Fran 2026 is set to be a topic of conversation for quite some time, due to its severity and the sheer number of people impacted. Around 55 percent of the population across the continental United States is currently under some sort of weather warning, with many experiencing power outages, as highlighted in a recent report.
“This storm stands out because of its extensive reach,” noted National Weather Service meteorologist Allison Santorelli in a phone call. “It’s affecting places from New Mexico and Texas all the way up to New England, which means we’re looking at a stretch of about 2,000 miles.”
Reports indicate that at least ten states in the storm’s path declared states of emergency even before the snow began. Many cities are implementing snow emergencies to keep roads clear for emergency services focusing on restoring power and managing the heavy snowfall.
Various organizations are mobilizing to assist, with many churches transforming into warming centers to meet the needs of local communities.
Send Relief
Send Relief has teamed up with the Baptist State Disaster Relief Team in several southern states experiencing significant impacts.
“While each affected state has teams ready to respond, hazardous road conditions might slow down deployment in some areas,” said Coy Webb, Send Relief’s director of crisis response.
Webb mentioned some locations where assistance is being coordinated, including:
- Arkansas – Saline County Warming Center
- Louisiana – Collaboration with the American Red Cross at a warming center
- Texas – Local churches partnering with Texans on Mission to provide food and shelter for the homeless.
Webb emphasized that Send Relief and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief leaders are closely monitoring this unprecedented winter storm and maintaining communication with government and partner organizations.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has an Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team that collaborates consistently with local and state emergency management. This includes planning meetings and briefings for rapid response if conditions permit.
“Our main focus is on the safety and well-being of our neighbors, especially the most vulnerable during these harsh winter months,” stated Lanita Lloyd, the Georgia Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Director. “We’re working closely with our emergency partners and stand ready to assist with compassion and practical aid as soon as it’s safe.”
The Salvation Army of Georgia, along with Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief, is actively partnering with various response teams, providing warming shelters and mobile shelters in numerous communities.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross has established disaster response teams that collaborate with national and local partners from Texas to New England. Some areas have set up warming and evacuation centers ahead of the blizzard. Currently, there are over 125 warming centers and shelters in the affected regions, and all disaster assistance is complimentary. People in need can look for nearby evacuation shelters for assistance.
Additional Information
For details on local shelter locations or to find out about available assistance, you can visit 211.org, which provides valuable resources for those in need.
Related articles
How America’s Church is Erasing Millions in Medical Debt and Why It Matters
First publication date is January 26, 2026.
