A 1,400-Mile Winter Challenge: South Prepares For Snow And Ice Impacts
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- James M
- January 9, 2025
Over a 1,400-mile area of the southern United States, from North Texas to the coast of North Carolina, a powerful winter storm is expected to dump snow, ice, and rain. Unusually cold air is sweeping the area, creating dangerous circumstances in places not used to winter storms.
This is an uncommon and disruptive weather phenomenon. As the hurricane is ready to make landfall, millions of locals are preparing for major effects, such as travel delays, power outages, and hazardous roadways.
Because it is aimed at areas with inadequate infrastructure and resources to deal with severe winter weather, this winter storm is especially important. The storm’s course centers on cities that don’t often get snow or ice, such Dallas, Atlanta, and Charlotte.
With icy roads turning highways into skating rinks and extensive accidents and delays likely, the combination of snow, sleet, and freezing rain will be a formula for mayhem. Many people will experience the coldest and worst weather in years as a result of this storm.
The storm’s timing and severity increase its potential for disruption in addition to its geographic reach. The system, which covers a large area of the South, is expected to bring severe ice accumulations that could bring down trees and power lines as well as snow accumulations of several inches.
The combination of snow and ice presents a significant risk to infrastructure and public safety, particularly in areas still recuperating from previous cold spells, given that January temperatures are already far below average.
The advent of this storm highlights how uncommon and significant winter weather may be in the South. Snow and ice can paralyze towns, put a strain on emergency services, and leave residents without electricity for days in locations that are frequently ill-prepared for them.
This winter storm is expected to be one of the most disruptive storms of the season, with millions of people frantically preparing for anticipated “major to extreme impacts,” according to forecasters.
Configuration of the Weather
A rare and powerful winter storm is expected as a result of unusually cold air that has swept deep into the southern United States. Temperatures have dropped well below the seasonal normal due to this Arctic air mass, which has made it ideal for snow, sleet, and freezing rain to build up over the area.
Southern states, which are often protected from such harsh cold, are currently dealing with an odd and disruptive weather pattern that will present difficulties for both infrastructure and population.
One of the main factors influencing this storm’s potential for extensive effects is the reach of the frigid air. In regions as far south as Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia, precipitation that would normally fall as rain will instead freeze upon contact due to subfreezing temperatures.
A 1,400-mile stretch is predicted to be covered in snow and ice, making this one of the most widespread winter weather storms the South has experienced in recent memory. The storm is intensifying because to the collision between the Arctic air and the Gulf’s moisture-laden systems, creating an environment that is conducive to dangerous travel and power disruptions.
The area’s poor readiness for winter weather only serves to heighten worries. In contrast to northern areas that frequently see snow and ice, the South lacks the equipment—such as snowplows, salt supply, and winterized electrical grids—necessary to deal with these conditions.
Even minor snow accumulations or freezing rain can cause major problems because many southern cities and villages lack the infrastructure necessary to handle frozen roads. The effects of the storm will probably be exacerbated by this lack of resources, especially in metropolitan regions that are not used to severe weather.
The storm’s potential to paralyze the area is highlighted by the combination of unseasonable cold and inadequate preparation. Residents in the impacted areas are rushing to be ready for conditions they rarely encounter as predictions warn of several inches of snow and hazardous ice accumulations.
This winter storm serves as a reminder of how fragile the South can be when Arctic air and winter precipitation mix, resulting in ice highways and higher power needs.
WINTER STORM WARNING for snow across all of Middle TN with big travel impact Friday through Friday night. Warning starts 4 AM Friday most areas, and 9 AM for the Upper Cumberland. 3 to 6 inches will be common. We are hosting a Facebook Live to discuss details this evening at 6pm. pic.twitter.com/WKhHgNoqIm
— NWS Nashville (@NWSNashville) January 9, 2025
Storm Timeline
As light snow and freezing drizzle move across western Texas on Wednesday night, the winter storm starts to take shape. What is predicted to be a major and disruptive winter weather storm will begin with these first flurries and freezing rain.
At first, the weather will be mild, but as the storm gets stronger and moves eastward, the buildup of snow and ice over the next few hours will prepare the ground for increasingly dangerous circumstances. Temperatures in Texas are still well below freezing, so drivers should expect slick roadways, particularly on bridges and overpasses.
The storm is expected to worsen by Thursday morning, bringing sleet and snow to northern Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. There will be a wintry mix in places like Dallas-Fort Worth, with snow rapidly building up on the ground.
In the afternoon, freezing rain is also likely to mix in, raising the possibility of slick roads and making driving more risky. The transition from snow to sleet and freezing rain will make clearing roadways more difficult because ice will quickly accumulate on surfaces, making them dangerous for both people and cars.
Tennessee, southeast Oklahoma, and northeast Texas will expect significant snowfall Thursday night and Friday as the storm continues its eastward march. In these places, snowfall totals will build up quickly; many inches are predicted throughout the area.
Snow and slippery conditions will also be present in northern Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia; in some places, there may be as much as three inches of snowfall.
Travel conditions will be dangerous due to the combination of snow, sleet, and ice, especially in these southern states where snowplows and other winter weather equipment are less common. Locals should brace themselves for extensive disruptions, such as possible delays and closures of schools.
The Winter Storm Watch has been converted to a Winter Storm Warning areawide. Snowfall totals of 2-6", along with a light glaze of ice (<0.10") in north Mississippi is expected. The latest briefing: https://t.co/U4nxyWgAxs pic.twitter.com/yuUPn4vapM
— NWS Memphis (@NWSMemphis) January 8, 2025
This winter storm is predicted to hit Texas and Oklahoma the hardest, resulting in dangerous driving conditions due to heavy snow and ice accumulations. Highways and city streets will become slick and hazardous due to the storm’s freezing rain and snow, particularly in places like Dallas-Fort Worth, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa.
While freezing rain may result in power outages by bringing down trees and electrical lines, icy roadways may raise the possibility of accidents and delays. Texas’ electrical grid operator, ERCOT, has issued a weather watch because of the expected spike in demand for electricity as temperatures drop. Residents should be ready for any outages even though the grid is predicted to handle the strain, particularly in rural areas with few resources for winter storms.
Arkansas and the Southern Appalachians will experience the storm’s highest snow accumulations as it moves eastward. Particularly in higher elevations in places like central Arkansas, northern Tennessee, and portions of Kentucky, these regions may receive more than 6 inches of snow. Due to the impassability of the roads and the closure of businesses and schools for safety, this heavy snowfall will cause extensive inconveniences.
Especially in hilly areas, where snowplows and road crews might find it difficult to keep up with the falling snow, the snow will probably accumulate quickly, making conditions dangerous. Drivers should keep informed about road conditions and steer clear of certain locations.
Snow and slippery conditions are expected in the Southeast U.S., with some regions in northern Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia receiving up to 3 inches of snow. But as the storm intensifies, warmer air will enter the area, turning snow into a hazardous combination of freezing rain and sleet. Road conditions will become icy and slick due to this mixture, making travel exceedingly dangerous.
Snow and ice buildup will make driving and everyday tasks even more difficult in places like Birmingham and Atlanta, which don’t often see severe winter weather. The likelihood of power outages will also rise under icy conditions, especially when ice-laden trees and limbs could fall onto power lines.
Major cities including Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greenville will be affected by a combination of snow and ice as the storm progresses eastward throughout the Carolinas. This storm is especially disruptive because there isn’t much snowfall in these locations. On Friday morning, snow will start to fall, possibly reaching several inches in some places.
The precipitation is expected to turn to freezing rain and ice by the afternoon, making travel even more difficult. Residents should anticipate major travel disruptions, such as airline delays and road closures, as road conditions rapidly deteriorate. The likelihood of power outages rises with snow and ice buildup, particularly in the Piedmont area and along the Interstate 85 corridor.
The South’s weak capacity to cope with such severe weather is one of the biggest worries surrounding this winter storm. The South lacks the infrastructure needed to properly handle snow and freezing temperatures, in contrast to northern states where these conditions are frequent. It is challenging to quickly clear roads in places like Dallas, Atlanta, and Charlotte because they lack snowplows, salt supply, and road treatment equipment.
Therefore, even a small buildup of snow or ice can seriously interrupt daily living. Local governments in the impacted areas might find it difficult to react promptly due to their lack of experience managing these conditions, which would put both drivers and pedestrians at greater risk.
Another significant worry as the winter storm creeps over the South is power disruptions. The last winter storm had already knocked out electricity to about 80,000 homes and businesses as of Wednesday morning. This latest system’s freezing rain and heavy snowfall are likely to result in more power outages because ice buildup can topple trees and power lines.
Particularly in regions where outages are already occurring, the increased demand for heating during the cold months may put further strain on the electrical grid. Many places, especially rural ones, may have extended outages while utilities attempt to restore service, depriving families of heat during one of the coldest times of the year.
The need for heating will increase when the cold front delivers freezing temperatures to the South, further taxing the energy infrastructure in the area. In preparation for this surge in demand, Texas’ power grid operator, ERCOT, has already issued a weather watch. Localized power outages could result from any strain on the grid, even though it is anticipated to remain stable, particularly during times of peak demand.
Residents are advised to make sure they have backup heating options, including space heaters or extra blankets, in case of power outages. The freezing temperatures will be a major health and safety danger, especially for vulnerable populations, in regions where power outages have already occurred.
One of the riskiest parts of this winter storm is predicted to be travel. Even minor ice buildup can result in dangerous driving conditions, transforming metropolitan streets and highways into slick, dangerous routes.
Because bridges and overpasses ice more quickly than normal roads, drivers should use extra caution when driving on them. Pedestrians are at risk for falls and slips on ice parking lots and sidewalks in addition to car accidents.
As the storm intensifies, local authorities will probably issue road closures and travel advisories, but circumstances might quickly worsen, trapping vehicles and passengers. To reduce needless hazards, travelers are advised to reevaluate their plans and keep abreast of road and weather conditions.
Compared to the South, the mid-Atlantic and Northeast will be less affected as the winter storm continues its eastward path. Although there will probably be some snowfall in these areas during the storm, it is anticipated to be quite little.
From Friday evening into Saturday morning, a brief snowfall of one to three inches is expected, mostly impacting areas such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. Although this snowfall will be brief and conditions will rapidly improve as the storm moves out of the area, it will still be sufficient to temporarily hinder traffic.
Even though there won’t be much snow, the storm’s swift approach may cause slick roads and slow traffic around the impacted areas. Roads may still be icy following the recent snowstorm, so drivers should exercise caution during the night.
Furthermore, regions farther inland, such upstate New York and portions of Pennsylvania, might have somewhat larger accumulations, particularly at higher elevations. But compared to the South, where snow and ice are predicted to produce significantly more dangerous conditions, the effects in these areas are anticipated to be far less severe.
By Saturday AM, the storm will have moved northeastward and cleared the East Coast. Gusty gusts are predicted to follow as it leaves, especially along the coast. Residents and visitors will experience a chill in the air as a result of these winds, which will make the temperature feel much colder.
Even if the storm’s precipitation will stop, these winds will still make things uncomfortable, and in the more exposed places close to the coast, the combination of the snow that is still there and the strong gusts may occasionally provide blizzard-like conditions.
When the storm passes, it will leave behind snow and ice, chilly air, and strong winds. Road personnel will start cleaning up, removing any last bits of ice and snow. However, some roads may still be slick, particularly on bridges and overpasses, so drivers should exercise caution.
As the storm passes out to sea, conditions will improve by Saturday afternoon, but the chilly, windy weather is expected to last for a few days. Residents should keep cautious while the storm passes and get ready for these aftereffects.
Avoiding needless travel is the most crucial preparation tip for the impending winter storm. Road conditions will rapidly deteriorate as large regions from Texas to the Carolinas are affected by snow, ice, and freezing rain. Roads can become dangerous even with a modest layer of snow or ice, especially in places that are not used to winter conditions.
If at all possible, stay inside and postpone your trip until the weather improves. Make sure your car is prepared for winter conditions if you have to go. This includes having snow chains, a full tank of gas, and an emergency kit in case you get stuck.
Assembling an emergency pack for your house and car is essential in preparing for the storm. Keep blankets, additional layers of clothes, and flashlights with extra batteries on hand because power outages are a serious possibility during winter storms.
Make sure you have enough bottled water and non-perishable food on hand to last for at least 72 hours in case you are unable to leave your house. Additionally, be careful to keep backup supplies or prescriptions on hand if you have particular needs or depend on medical equipment.
It’s a good idea to stock up on necessities like food, medicine, and household goods before the storm gets worse. Pharmacies and food stores may face longer wait times or limited stock due to travel interruptions and the possibility of power outages.
Don’t wait until the last minute since stores can close early and roads could become dangerous. Because electricity may be down for extended periods during the storm, make sure your heating system is operating correctly and that you have enough food and water to maintain your household for a few days.
It’s critical to keep informed during the winter storm by frequently referring to local forecasts and weather alerts. Knowing when the worst of the storm will strike might help you make the best decisions for your safety because conditions can change quickly.
For up-to-date information on road closures, power outages, and other emergencies, set up weather alerts on your phone and follow reliable local news sources. If you depend on public transit, keep an eye out for any interruptions in service and be ready to modify your plans as necessary to ensure your safety throughout the storm.