DALLAS — A significant winter storm has swept across Texas and Oklahoma, bringing heavy snow and icy conditions to the region before advancing eastward into southern states overnight. This inclement weather has led several governors to declare states of emergency and has prompted school closures for millions of students from Texas to Georgia and as far east as South Carolina.
In Arkansas, Governor Sarah Sanders activated the National Guard to assist stranded motorists experiencing difficulties on the roads. The National Weather Service has predicted that areas in the northern half of Arkansas and much of Tennessee could face some of the heaviest snowfall on Friday, with expected accumulations ranging from 6 to 9 inches (approximately 15 to 22 centimeters).
As the storm moves further south into Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, a hazardous mix of sleet and freezing rain is hampering travel conditions. Central Oklahoma and northern Texas have already experienced substantial snowfall of up to 7 inches (around 18 centimeters) before the storm pushed toward Arkansas. The impact on air travel has been significant, with over 4,500 flights delayed and an additional 2,000 canceled on Thursday, and further disruptions anticipated on Friday.
“I haven’t seen many accidents so far, but I have noticed several drivers getting stuck and sliding around,” remarked Charles Daniel, a truck driver navigating the slick roads in central Oklahoma. “People really need to avoid driving if they can.”
This severe cold snap coincides with notable January wildfires in the Los Angeles area. According to meteorologist Paul Kirkwood from the National Weather Service, the storm moving through Dallas is likely to create a path of snow affecting parts of Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
In light of the conditions, Texas Governor Greg Abbott advised residents to stay off the roads if possible, especially with 75,000 fans expected to converge at AT&T Stadium in Arlington for the Cotton Bowl college football championship semifinal between Texas and Ohio State on Friday.
The storm is set to continue its northeastern trajectory, bringing with it heavy snow and freezing rain expected to reach the Virginia and North Carolina coasts. Weather forecasts predict that parts of Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia could receive up to 8 inches (around 20 centimeters) of snow by Saturday.
Georgia’s Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency as the north of the state braced for snow and ice early Friday. Meteorologists have warned that significant accumulation of snow and ice in metropolitan Atlanta could render roads dangerous and lead to potential power outages. Consequently, public school systems across metro Atlanta and northern Georgia have canceled in-person classes, impacting over 1 million students who either have the day off or will be learning online.
In Tennessee, schools in the Memphis-Shelby County area, which serves over 100,000 students, closed on Friday due to forecasts predicting up to 8 inches (20.3 centimeters) of snow. Two warming centers have been established to provide shelter for residents needing refuge from the extreme cold.
The southern states of South Carolina prepared for their first wintry weather in three years, with the state’s Department of Transportation working to treat highways before the weather hit. Many school systems in the affected areas either planned to close early or transition to online learning for Friday.
In North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency ahead of the approaching storm, with predictions of up to 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) of snow in many regions, particularly in mountainous areas, where sleet and freezing rain were also expected. Additionally, the impending storm led to the cancellation of a public outdoor inauguration ceremony for Stein and other statewide officials scheduled for Saturday in Raleigh.
Amid these weather challenges, Richmond, Virginia is currently under a boil-water advisory as officials work to restore the water reservoir system, which was compromised following a storm-induced power outage. The city, home to over 200,000 residents, is distributing bottled water across multiple sites and delivering water to those unable to reach distribution centers.
