Winter storms can knock out your technology quickly: prepare now

Forecasters warn that a major winter storm is expected to hit much of the United States starting Friday. Forecasts call for snow, freezing rain and ice extending from Texas and the Southern Plains to the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. This system is worrying because it combines ice accumulation, gusts of wind and falling temperatures. In many regions, especially in the South and parts of the Mid-Atlantic, infrastructure is not designed to withstand prolonged ice events.

That increases the risk of prolonged power outages and interrupted cell service. When the power grid goes down, everyday technology becomes critical. Phones, alerts, vehicles and apps may be your only connection to updates and emergency help. Preparing now matters much more than reacting later.

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THE WINTER STRIKE IN RUSSIA LEAVES NEARLY 800,000 HOMES WITHOUT POWER AND HEATING IN THE DNIPRO REGION OF UKRAINE

Why ice storms are especially damaging

Ice storms cause more damage than most people expect. Unlike snow, ice sticks to everything and adds significant weight. Ice builds up on trees and power lines, causing branches to break and wires to fall. Utility crews often cannot begin repairs until conditions improve, delaying restoration. News Weather meteorologists warn that freezing rain in the south and interior Southeast could be particularly damaging, while snow and wind further north may slow emergency response.

Even if cell towers remain standing, networks are often overloaded during inclement weather conditions. When thousands of people try to call at once, connections fail. Text messages and alerts are usually more likely to arrive. That is why you should assume that you may be offline longer than expected.

Immediate technological actions to take before the storm hits

These steps are simple, but time matters. Do them before weather conditions worsen.

Charge devices and prepare backup power

• Charge all phones, laptops, tablets and batteries
• Fully charge wearable devices such as smart watches
• Turn on low power mode on phones now
• Reduce your screen brightness to extend battery life, and check out these other tips to keep your phone’s battery charged longer
• Make sure you have a reliable portable charger on hand, like those featured in our 5 best portable chargers for emergencies in Cyberguy.com.
• For outages that could last for days in this winter storm, a good generator can keep your home powered longer and safer.
• Reliable lighting is important during storms and power outages. Invest in a high-powered flashlight and hats with built-in lights, which can be especially helpful when visibility is poor.
• Keep a battery-powered weather radio on hand so you can receive emergency updates even if your power and cell service go out.

A fully charged phone, smart power settings, and a reliable portable charger can keep you connected early in a power outage, while long-term home power solutions will help you for days to come.

Plan for offline communication and limited cellular service

• Download offline maps for your area
• Save emergency contacts locally on your device
• Write down key phone numbers on a piece of paper.
• Plan to text instead of calling if networks are congested. Text messages use less bandwidth and are often sent when calls fail.
• Cold weather can also make it difficult to use phones. Touchscreen compatible winter gloves let you stay connected without exposing your hands to the cold.

Establish a family registration plan before the storm

• Agree on specific check-in times
• Choose a contact outside the area that everyone can message
• Avoid constant calls, which can overload networks.

Clear expectations reduce panic and unnecessary phone use.

Make sure emergency alerts are enabled

Emergency alerts can reach your phone even when apps and social media can’t. They are designed to reduce network congestion and send critical warnings.

How to activate emergency alerts on iPhone

• Open Settings
• Tap Notifications
• Scroll to Government alerts
• Light Emergency alerts
• Allow Always play sound
• Light Imminent threat alerts in Enhanced security alerts

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How to activate emergency alerts on Android

YesSettings may vary depending on your android phonethe manufacturer

• Open Settings
• Tap Security and emergency either Notifications
• Select Wireless emergency alerts
• Light Serious threats and Extreme threats
• Allow Allow alerts and Alert sound

On some phones, you may also see options for Public Safety Messages or Emergency Alerts, which should be turned on. These alerts may include evacuation notices, shelter updates, and severe weather warnings.

Both iPhone and Android allow you to preview alert sounds and settings in these menus, so take a moment to try them out now and make sure the alerts are loud enough before severe weather hits.

Know how to use Emergency SOS on your phone

If you need help during a winter storm, Emergency SOS can contact emergency services even when you can’t unlock your phone or make a normal call. Set this up now. Don’t wait until you’re stressed, cold, or out of energy.

How to set up and use Emergency SOS on iPhone

• Open Settings
• Tap emergency SOS
• Light Call with hold and release either Call with 5 button presses
• Scroll down and add emergency contacts

To activate Emergency SOS during an emergency, press and hold the side button and a volume buttoneither quickly press the side button five timesdepending on your configuration.

How to set up and use Emergency SOS on Android

YesSettings may vary depending on the manufacturer of your Android phone.

• Open Settings
• Tap Security and emergency either Privacy and security
• Select emergency SOS
• Light Use emergency SOS
• Choose how SOS is activated, such as Require swipe to call
• Add emergency contacts and medical information clicking Emergency sharing settings

On many Android phones, pressing the power button five times will activate Emergency SOS. Emergency SOS can call for help, share your location, and alert emergency contacts when conditions are dangerous.

If cell towers go down during this storm, features like Emergency SOS can still help you contact emergency services. Our guide explains in more detail how these life-saving environments work.

Apps you should have installed in advance

The right apps can deliver critical updates when there are power outages, cellular networks are overloaded, and social media is unreliable. Install and configure these before the storm comes.

Weather and severe warning applications

• News Weather App: A reliable option for real-time forecasts, winter storm alerts, radar tracking, and location-based notifications. Make sure local alerts are turned on.
• MyRadar weather radar: A highly rated radar app that shows storm movement in real time and sends automatic alerts when severe weather approaches your area.
• Storm Shield Severe Weather Application: Provides alerts from the National Weather Service based on your exact location, similar to NOAA weather radio warnings, with clear push notifications for winter storms and ice events.
• NOAA Weather Radio Apps (iPhone and Android): These apps stream official NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts, providing ongoing updates, alerts and warnings directly from the National Weather Service. Weather radio broadcasts often remain available even during major power outages.

Using more than one weather app can give you redundancy if one service is delayed or overloaded.

Outage and utility tracking apps

• Your local energy company’s app: Most utility companies offer apps that allow you to report outages, view outage maps, and track restoration progress in real time.
• FEMA Application: Provides official weather alerts, disaster resources, shelter locations, and safety guidance during severe weather events.

These apps can acknowledge outages, provide restore updates, and reduce unnecessary calls. rias to utility companies when systems are overwhelmed.

Don’t overlook technology and vehicle preparation

Your vehicle can become a critical resource during extended outages.

Prepare your car before conditions worsen

• Fill your gas tank early. A full tank allows you to run the engine briefly to warm it up or charge it if necessary.
• Keep a phone charger in the car.
• Store a fully charged portable power bank in the glove box or center console. This gives you emergency phone power if your car battery dies or you can’t run the engine.
• Download weather and road condition alerts.
• Additionally, consider purchasing a snow brush and ice scraper, jumper cables, a set of 6 LED emergency road lights, and a trauma first aid kit with QuikCloth, so you won’t be caught off guard in an emergency.
• There are also wearable tech solutions designed to help you stay warm and energized during road outages or delays, including heated gear worth purchasing in advance.

Storms also bring scams and fraud attempts

The harsh weather creates ideal conditions for scams. Power outages, delayed responses, and anxiety make people more likely to trust messages that seem urgent or official.

Fake utility and restaurant scams

Scammers often pose as electric, gas or water utility companies.

• Texts or calls claiming your power will be restored faster if you pay
• The warning message service will be closed unless you act immediately
• Fake phone numbers that look like your local utility company

What to know: Utility companies do not charge fees to restore power and do not require payments via text messages, gift cards or apps.

Emergency Aid and Disaster Relief Scams

These scams increase immediately after storms hit.

• Messages promising emergency funds, fuel vouchers or hotel assistance.
• Fake charity links claiming to help storm victims
• Social media posts asking for donations using stolen images

What to know: Legitimate aid is advertised through official government channels or well-known nonprofit organizations, not through unsolicited messages.

Fake delivery, fuel and repair service scams

Storms disrupt normal services, which scammers take advantage of.

• Links that claim fuel delivery is available in your area
• Messages about delayed packages requiring confirmation
• Emergency home repair ads asking for advance payment

What to know: Do not click on links or pay deposits without independently verifying the company.

Account takeover and identity theft attempts

Stormy chaos makes it easier for attackers to go unnoticed.

• Password reset emails pretending to be from banks or retailers
• Login alerts prompting you to “secure” your account immediately
• Calls claiming suspicious activity pushing you to share codes

What to know: Never share one-time codes or login details, even if the message appears legitimate.

How to protect yourself before and during the storm

Taking a few precautions now can help you avoid costly mistakes when outages, delays, and fraudulent messages start to pile up.

1) Slow down and check every urgent message

Scammers rely on panic. If a message pressures you to act quickly, stop and verify it through a trusted source.

2) Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages and use strong antivirus software.

Go directly to official websites or apps instead of tapping on links in text messages or emails. Keep your operating system up to date and use powerful antivirus software to block malicious links and fake websites.

The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware and potentially access your private information is to have powerful antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

Get my picks for the best antivirus protection winners of 2026 for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

3) Lock accounts before outages occur

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on email, banking, and utility accounts so that stolen passwords can’t be used alone.

4) Reduce your exposure with a data removal service

Many storm scams work because the criminals already have your phone number, address or email. Using a data removal service to opt out of data broker sites can reduce the ease with which scammers target you during emergencies.

While no service can guarantee complete removal of your data from the Internet, a data erasure service is truly a smart choice. They are not cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically deleting your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to delete your personal data from the Internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing leak data with information they can find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already available on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

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5) Never pay to restore power or receive help

Utility companies and government agencies do not charge fees to restore service or release emergency assistance.

When power and Internet access are limited, it is more difficult to check messages quickly. That makes preparation as important as awareness. A little skepticism now can prevent financial loss and identity theft when help is hardest to get.

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Kurt’s Key Takeaways

Winter storms can turn small technology decisions into critical ones. Ice, power outages and overloaded cellular networks can leave people isolated faster than expected, especially in regions not built for prolonged winter weather. Preparing your devices, alerts, vehicles, and accounts in advance gives you more control when conditions worsen. It also reduces panic and limits your exposure to scams that thrive during emergencies. A little planning now can make a big difference when help is hardest to get.

Have you taken steps to prepare your technician for this winter storm or did this checklist highlight something you still need to do? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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