DALLAS/TEXAS: A powerful winter storm is moving across the United States this week, bringing heavy snow, ice, and strong winds, creating hazardous conditions for travel and daily activities. The storm, which originated in Northern Mexico, will advance eastward, affecting areas from the Western Gulf Coast to the Central Gulf Coast by Friday.
Storm's Path and Impact The storm first hit parts of Oklahoma and Texas on Thursday, causing icy roads, heavy snow, and flight cancellations. In Oklahoma, some areas saw up to 7 inches (18 cm) of snow, while Little Rock, Arkansas, and several southern states experienced snow and a mix of sleet and freezing rain. These conditions made travel difficult, with icy roads especially treacherous in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
By Friday, the storm will reach the Southern Mid-Atlantic, including Virginia and North Carolina, potentially causing up to 8 inches (20 cm) of snow in parts of Georgia, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts widespread disruptions, including school closures, power outages, and dangerous travel conditions across these regions.
State Responses and School Closures In response to the storm, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders activated the National Guard to assist motorists stranded by the storm. Millions of children in southern states, from Texas to Georgia, were given Thursday and Friday off school due to the severe weather. In Tennessee, Memphis-Shelby County Schools, the largest district in the state, announced that all schools would be closed on Friday due to the snow.
Georgia declared a state of emergency as the storm approached, and metro Atlanta was warned of accumulating snow and ice. The state’s transportation department began treating major highways and interstates to prevent accidents, while some school districts in South Carolina also prepared for winter weather.
Air Travel Disruptions The storm has caused significant disruptions to air travel, with hundreds of flights canceled by Thursday morning, especially in Dallas. FlightAware reports that more than 3,800 flights have been delayed and 1,800 canceled across the country, stranding travelers and complicating travel plans.
Safety Precautions and Power Outages The polar vortex, which can bring extreme cold weather from the North Pole, has pushed this storm southward, affecting several U.S. states. This rare weather event is expected to cause widespread power outages, with many areas bracing for fallen tree branches and downed power lines. Crews are preparing to clear roads in Arlington, Texas, where thousands are expected to attend the college football championship.
In Richmond, Virginia, a boil-water advisory remains in effect until Friday due to a power outage caused by the storm. Residents are being provided with bottled water, and two warming centers have been set up in Memphis to provide shelter for those in need.
Looking Ahead As the storm continues to move east, residents in its path are urged to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. With heavy snow, freezing rain, and gusty winds expected, conditions could worsen throughout the weekend, leading to further disruptions across the eastern U.S.