Millions across the southern United States are bracing for a significant winter storm expected to bring heavy snow, dangerous ice, and bitterly cold temperatures this week. Stretching from Texas to the Tennessee Valley, the storm is forecast to disrupt travel, cause widespread power outages, and create hazardous conditions in areas unaccustomed to severe winter weather.
AccuWeather meteorologists predict 3-6 inches of snow along an 800-mile stretch from northern Texas through western Tennessee and Kentucky, with isolated areas potentially seeing up to 14 inches. Ice accumulations are expected to affect parts of northeastern Texas, Arkansas, northern Louisiana, and the southeastern states, including Georgia and the Carolinas.
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“This storm could bring historic snowfall to Dallas, with the potential for up to six inches—enough to rank among the city’s top five snowfalls on record,” said Dan DePodwin, AccuWeather Senior Director of Forecasting Operations. “The impacts will extend far beyond Dallas, with widespread disruptions anticipated.”
The storm is expected to disrupt travel across major interstates, including I-20, I-40, and I-85. Dangerous road conditions, limited visibility, and icy surfaces may lead to multiple-vehicle pileups, while airports from Dallas to Atlanta are preparing for thousands of flight cancellations. AccuWeather projects 1,900 flight cancellations on Thursday and 2,100 on Friday.
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In addition to travel issues, the risk of widespread power outages is increasing. Areas hit hardest by the ice storm could face prolonged outages, compounding challenges as temperatures plummet in the storm’s wake.
Behind the storm, Arctic air will surge southward, bringing dangerously low temperatures to the central and eastern United States. Subfreezing temperatures are forecast as far south as the Gulf Coast, with potential damage to crops and infrastructure.
“This could be the coldest January since 2018 for much of the Southeast,” DePodwin said. “Temperatures may drop 30-40 degrees below average, posing risks to people, infrastructure, and agriculture.”
AccuWeather advises residents in the affected areas to prepare for potential power outages, stock up on emergency supplies, and avoid non-essential travel during the storm. Those in regions less equipped for snow and ice should be especially cautious, as road-clearing resources are limited.
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