Winter Storm Impacts the South: Snow and Ice Cause Disruptions
ATLANTA – A significant winter storm is sweeping across the South, leaving a trail of snow and ice in its wake. Starting Thursday, the Dallas Metroplex and southern Plains experienced challenging winter weather, which is now making its way through the Southeast and heading into the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions.
Residents are warned of freezing rain that could create hazardous icy conditions, particularly in north Georgia, including the Atlanta area, and parts of South Carolina. Some areas could see up to a third of an inch of ice accumulation, raising concerns for both travel and safety.
Winter weather alerts are in effect for almost 80 million people across nearly 20 states, stretching from Arkansas to Delaware. With these alerts comes significant disruption to air travel. Thousands of flights nationwide have been canceled, including more than 400 departures from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport, known as the busiest airport in the country. A ground delay has been instituted at the airport to help manage the situation amid the inclement weather.
Cancelling 330 flights, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport in North Carolina is similarly affected as the storm continues to have major repercussions on air travel across the region.
In anticipation of the snow, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency, with Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina following suit. These declarations indicate the seriousness with which state officials are treating the inclement weather, urging residents to remain vigilant.
Road conditions have deteriorated drastically, leading to numerous accidents and spinouts on the highways. Georgia’s Department of Transportation reported multiple incidents on major interstates in the Atlanta metro area, prompting the activation of 600 snow plows across the state. Despite these efforts, many roads in and around Atlanta remain closed due to dangerous patches of ice.
Arkansas has reported similar conditions, with most roads covered in snow or slush. Traffic accidents have occurred statewide, particularly on interstates 40, 30, and 555. Heavy, wet snow has been falling in Little Rock, with reports of up to 7 inches accumulating in some areas. After crews worked diligently to clear the airfield, Clinton National Airport in Little Rock was able to reopen late Friday morning.
In Western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, areas that were heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene are facing more challenges. Locations like Asheville could see around 3 inches of snow, adding to the ongoing recovery efforts from the hurricane. Debris that remains in the Swannanoa River is noticeably coated in snow and ice as winter storms sweep through the area.
State officials have been encouraging residents to stay home, emphasizing the importance of giving plow trucks enough room to operate effectively. The combination of snow, icy conditions, and bitter cold has made outdoor conditions especially dangerous, with temperatures dropping into the teens as the weekend approaches.
Meteorologists anticipate that this winter storm will bring continuous snowfall and ice across the South throughout Friday. The National Weather Service has issued warnings, noting that significant icing on power lines and tree limbs could lead to widespread and long-lasting power outages.
As the storm transitions towards the East Coast, forecasts predict a variety of weather impacts. The heavily populated Interstate 95 corridor will experience snow, with Washington and Philadelphia potentially getting a couple of inches, while New York City and Boston might only see a light dusting.
While winter storms can present significant challenges, they also underscore the importance of community resilience and preparedness. As always, it is crucial for residents to be aware of their local conditions and to heed any advice from state and local officials.
