Schools shut down across South as winter storm hits

Winter weather chaos grips the Southern United States, disrupting schools, travel, and daily life. Freezing rain and snowstorms swept across regions from Texas to Georgia, forcing closures and creating hazardous conditions. The chilling dip in temperatures left millions on edge, with authorities racing to prepare for the worst.

Schools shut down

In Texas alone, over one million students saw their classes canceled. Officials braced for icy roads and treacherous weather that could linger until Friday. The shutdowns extended to Little Rock, Arkansas, and parts of the Kansas City area. Meanwhile, Richmond, Virginia, issued a boil water advisory, further complicating daily routines.

Texas prepares for snow

In Dallas, road crews worked tirelessly, treating streets ahead of 2 to 4 inches of snow. Areas closer to Oklahoma could face up to 5 inches. Governor Greg Abbott mobilized emergency teams and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel.

The timing couldn’t be worse. On Friday, around 75,000 fans are expected at AT&T Stadium in Arlington for the college football semifinal. Officials assured the public that crews were ready to handle icy roads.

Southern states brace for impact

The wintry mix of sleet, snow, and freezing rain stretched from New Mexico to Alabama. Forecasters warned that Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas would bear the brunt of the storm. By Friday, the system was expected to move northeast, targeting the Virginia and North Carolina coasts.

Georgia faced up to 8 inches of snow in some areas. Governor Brian Kemp announced state office closures for Friday. Atlanta’s Mayor Andre Dickens shifted city employees to remote work. In Tennessee, emergency management officials predicted widespread school closures.

Agricultural worries mount

In Kansas, heavy snowfall brought nearly a year’s worth of snow in days. Local farmers struggled to care for livestock. Calves faced freezing temperatures, while deep snow hampered efforts to feed herds.

Florida farmers faced their own challenges. Fern growers worried about their crops as Valentine’s Day approached, with demand for floral arrangements peaking.

Richmond’s water crisis

Richmond residents endured a boil-water advisory due to a storm-induced power outage. Mayor Danny Avula confirmed the issue could persist until Friday. Officials distributed bottled water to over 200,000 residents, prioritizing families unable to travel. Governor Glenn Youngkin emphasized the urgency, especially for households with young children needing baby formula.

Travel nightmares

Winter storms wreaked havoc on travel nationwide. Thousands of flights were delayed or canceled. Virginia reported hundreds of vehicle accidents, with three fatalities. Similar tragedies unfolded in Indiana, Kansas, and Kentucky. West Virginia and North Carolina also reported deadly weather-related incidents.

Wildfires add to Texas woes

As Texas battled icy weather, unusual January wildfires raged in the Los Angeles area. Flames, high winds, and smoke forced evacuations, leaving residents in shock. The contrast between snow and fire underscored the unpredictable nature of this winter season.