DALLAS — A new wave of winter storms hit on Thursday, leading to school closures and disrupted flights, with millions of residents in several southern states advised to be cautious as snow and freezing rain created perilous travel conditions.
The storm began early Thursday, bringing a troubling mix of sleet and heavy snow to regions of north Texas and Oklahoma, prompting school closures that affected over a million students. In Kansas City and Arkansas, schools also decided to cancel classes, while in Virginia, the citizens faced mounting complaints regarding a boil-water advisory issued due to complications from a previous round of winter weather.
Flight tracking services reported that hundreds of flights were canceled in Dallas by Thursday morning, with national figures indicating that there were over 2,100 delayed flights and around 1,500 cancellations.
This cold wave coincided with unexpected January wildfires in the Los Angeles area, driving residents from their homes amid raging flames, strong winds, and billowing smoke.
Snow and sleet were impacting regions of Texas and Oklahoma, as road crews began preparations by treating the roads ahead of a potential accumulation of as much as 7 inches (about 18 centimeters) of snow in certain areas. According to the National Weather Service, the early Thursday weather in the Dallas area mostly consisted of wet snow, while heavier snowfall was reported further north in Oklahoma.
“The roads are slushy, but there are also slick spots,” noted truck driver Charles Daniel, navigating a 48-foot trailer in south-central Oklahoma. “I’ve yet to see any accidents, but I observed a couple of people who got stuck and were sliding around on the road.”
Governor Greg Abbott indicated that emergency crews were deployed preemptively and encouraged residents to refrain from driving in hazardous conditions. In Arkansas, Governor Sarah Sanders called in 140 National Guardsmen to assist with state police efforts in helping any stranded drivers.
With 75,000 fans anticipating a college football championship semifinal between Texas and Ohio State at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, there was concern that road conditions could be slippery. Arlington spokesperson Susan Shrock reassured that crews would be on standby to respond to any dangerous roadway situations.
Sleet, snow, and freezing rain were expected to impact areas stretching from New Mexico to Alabama, with forecasters predicting the heaviest amounts in sections of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. By Friday, the system was projected to push northeast, bringing serious winter conditions along the coasts of Virginia and North Carolina. In some parts of Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia, snowfall of up to 8 inches (about 20 centimeters) could occur through Saturday, based on reports from the weather service.
In response to the incoming inclement weather, Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency across Georgia on Thursday, as the northern region braced for anticipated snow and ice starting Friday. The declaration coincided with a growing number of educational institutions, including the University of Georgia in Athens, suspending in-person classes for Friday.
Forecasters from the National Weather Service have warned that Atlanta could see snow and ice accumulations, making roads hazardous and possibly causing power outages. In metro Atlanta, estimates suggest around 2 inches (5 centimeters) of snow and up to a quarter-inch (0.63 centimeters) of ice may accumulate.
Patrick Sheehan, director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, indicated that he expects schools throughout the state to close on Friday, although such decisions will be made at individual localities.
The polar vortex, associated with extremely cold air, typically rotates around the North Pole but can venture south, impacting the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Some meteorologists suggest that occurrences of such events may be increasing paradoxically due to global warming.
In Richmond, Virginia, residents are still under a boil-water advisory until at least Friday as city officials strive to restore the functionality of the water reservoir system, which faced a malfunction after a storm caused a power failure, according to Mayor Danny Avula. The city, home to over 200,000 residents, is providing bottled water at multiple locations and delivering supplies to the elderly and those who cannot travel.
“We’ve got families in the city without access to water,” Governor Glenn Youngkin remarked on Wednesday. “Mothers with young children are asking, ‘What do I do about baby formula?'”
