DALLAS — A significant winter storm has moved through Texas and Oklahoma, unleashing substantial snowfall and icy conditions across a wide geographical area. As the storm advanced eastward on Friday, numerous governors declared states of emergency, leading to school closures and prompting action to assist stranded drivers.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders activated the National Guard in response to the crisis, aiming to aid motorists caught in the storm. Millions of students faced school cancellations across a broad stretch of the southern U.S., from Texas and Georgia to South Carolina.
The National Weather Service predicted that the most intense snowfall would strike the northern sections of Arkansas and the majority of Tennessee, with accumulations reaching between 6 to 9 inches (approximately 15 to 22 centimeters) in certain areas.
Meanwhile, a mix of freezing rain and sleet in southern Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama made traveling dangerous. Parts of central Oklahoma and northern Texas saw snow accumulation of up to 7 inches (around 18 centimeters) before the storm reached Arkansas.
In Atlanta, the snowfall began early on Friday, resulting in hundreds of canceled flights and numerous delays at the city’s airport. The operational challenges led to a ground stop at the airport before 8 a.m., preventing any planes from taking off or landing. Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for Georgia, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Significant delays and cancellations were reported at other airports, including those in Charlotte, North Carolina, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Nashville. Meteorologists, such as Paul Kirkwood from the National Weather Service, indicated that the storm would create impactful weather conditions across states like Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott advised residents to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary due to treacherous road conditions. This caution comes as approximately 75,000 fans were expected to gather for a college football championship semifinal in Arlington between Texas and Ohio State.
Forecasters warned that Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia could receive up to 8 inches (about 20 centimeters) of snow by Saturday. In Atlanta, road conditions deteriorated rapidly, which led to emergency measures, including school closures. More than 1 million students from public schools in northern Georgia were directed to either remain at home or engage in online learning.
In response to lessons learned from a severe snowstorm in 2014 that left many stranded, local officials prioritized safety by suspending in-person classes and closing public offices.
Alabama’s northern regions experienced class cancellations as state highways braved snow and ice, rendering some impassable, according to local law enforcement. Tennessee also observed a state of emergency, particularly around Memphis, where a persistent snowfall forced the largest school district, Memphis-Shelby County Schools, to close all facilities.
With forecasts predicting up to 8 inches (20.3 centimeters) of snow in Memphis, authorities established warming centers to shelter residents from the cold.
In South Carolina, preparations were underway for the region’s first winter weather in three years. The state Department of Transportation began treating major roads with brine and salt. School districts in the region either closed for the day or switched to online learning.
North Carolina’s Governor Josh Stein also declared a state of emergency, leading to the cancellation of an outdoor public inauguration ceremony scheduled for Saturday.
In Richmond, Virginia, a boil-water advisory was issued due to a power outage affecting the water reservoir system. City officials were distributing bottled water across multiple sites and delivering it to those in need.
As the storm continues its advance, residents across impacted areas remain vigilant and prepared for ongoing severe weather conditions.
