A potent winter storm is poised to affect a vast region of the South, extending from Texas to the Carolinas, beginning this weekend. With many Americans still reeling from severe winter weather in the northern states, the new storm threatens to bring debilitating ice accumulation that could disrupt power and travel.
Meteorologists, including former NOAA chief scientist Ryan Maue, have warned that the storm could lead to “widespread potentially catastrophic events.” Ice accumulation of even half an inch has the potential to wreak havoc, with predictions indicating significant ice weighing down trees and power lines, leading to widespread outages. Keith Avery, CEO of Newberry Electric Cooperative in South Carolina, highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “If you get a half of an inch of ice — or heaven forbid an inch of ice — that could be catastrophic.”
The National Weather Service has cautioned that the storm will bring heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain starting Friday, moving eastward toward the coast by Sunday. “Great swaths of heavy snow, sleet, and treacherous freezing rain” are expected, according to their warnings. As temperatures remain low, any ice that forms on roads and sidewalks may persist, making conditions particularly hazardous.
The impending storm is fueled by an arctic air mass descending from Canada, clashing with moisture-laden systems from the Gulf. National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Jackson noted that this could lead to highly impactful winter weather. Forecasters expect an atmospheric river to form, channeling moisture across affected states, with North Georgia and portions of central Georgia likely to experience significant ice accumulation.
Travel disruptions are anticipated, especially in regions like Texas, where snow and ice removal equipment is limited. The storm’s impact is expected to affect major airports in Dallas, Atlanta, Memphis, and Charlotte, complicating plans for travelers over the weekend. In Michigan, prior severe conditions led to over 100 vehicles colliding on an interstate, underscoring the dangers of winter travel.
The frigid temperatures are set to linger, with northern states feeling the coldest air yet. Jackson referred to a significant low-pressure system over Hudson Bay, which is influencing weather patterns across North America, resulting in unusually cold temperatures.
In Texas, the storm might serve as an early indicator of the conditions to come for other southern states, with forecasts suggesting low temperatures could drop into the 20s or even teens. Communities are already preparing, with hardware stores in Arkansas reporting increased sales of sleds, shovels, and ice-melting products as residents brace for the predicted chill.
As this major winter storm approaches, vigilance and preparedness are essential. Safety and well-being should be the priority as communities rally to handle the challenging weather ahead.