The winter storm season is officially here, with significant weather events predicted for the upcoming months. The Weather Channel has released its list of winter storm names for the 2025-26 season, marking the 14th consecutive year it has undertaken this initiative. Homeowners across the United States should familiarize themselves with these names and stay informed about the forecast to prepare for potential impacts.
Winter Storm Names for 2025-26
The Weather Channel names winter storms to enhance public awareness of severe weather conditions. This year, they will assign names to “high-impact winter storms with significant snow and/or ice affecting at least one, if not multiple, regions of the country.” The first name on the list is Alston, followed by a total of 26 names designated for blizzards, snowstorms, and other winter weather events. Notably, lake-effect snowstorms and pure arctic cold outbreaks are not included in this naming convention.
The complete list of names includes:
– Alston
– Bellamy
– Chan
– Devin
– Ezra
– Fern
– Gianna
– Hernando
– Iona
– Joseline
– Kadence
– Louise
– Maizie
– Nell
– Obie
– Peyton
– Quigley
– Rodrigo
– Santiago
– Tyrese
– Ulma
– Viviana
– Wolfgang
– Ximena
– Yashi
– Zeb
As of now, no winter storms have received names, though active storm systems are anticipated to develop across the country during the Thanksgiving week. Historically, named winter storms are most prevalent from late January through February, according to The Weather Channel.
Winter Weather Outlook
The Old Farmer’s Almanac has already provided its predictions for the winter months, indicating that states in the Appalachians, Southeast, and Ohio Valley regions should brace for colder-than-average conditions. Snowfall is expected, particularly in the southern Rockies, eastern Ohio Valley, and even in the Carolinas. Conversely, areas such as Florida, the Intermountain West, and eastern Desert Southwest may experience a wetter season.
Carol Connare, editor at the Old Farmer’s Almanac, advises residents to “not lose track of your snow shovels and umbrellas” as they prepare for the winter ahead.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center also shared its outlook for winter, covering the period from December 2025 to February 2026. According to their forecast, the phenomenon known as La Niña is expected to persist, although a shift to a neutral pattern is likely by early 2026, with a 61% chance of occurrence. For regions such as the Upper Mississippi River Valley, this could lead to unpredictable winter weather, with significant variations in temperature and precipitation.
In light of these forecasts, homeowners should take proactive steps to prepare their properties for the winter months.
Preparing Your Home for Winter
Regardless of the expected weather in your area, it is wise to address several critical maintenance tasks before winter fully sets in. One of the top priorities is to prevent pipes from freezing. Many homeowners may not realize that the risk of frozen pipes is actually highest in southern regions, where colder temperatures are less common, and pipes often lack adequate insulation.
To mitigate this risk, homeowners can implement a few simple precautions. These include draining exterior hoses, closing foundation vents, and wrapping exposed pipes in foam insulation. Such measures can help avoid potentially costly repairs.
Further preparations should also include checking the insulation in attics to retain heat, cleaning ovens to prevent fire hazards, and clearing gutters to prevent ice dams. For a comprehensive list of end-of-the-year repair tasks, homeowners can refer to resources from Realtor.com®.
As winter approaches, staying informed and prepared can help mitigate the impact of severe weather on homes and families.
