As many in the northern U.S. continue to deal with relentless snowstorms and bitterly cold temperatures, a new storm may emerge this weekend, threatening to blanket the South in a layer of treacherous ice.
This storm, expected to hit later this week and through the weekend, is being dubbed as a “potentially catastrophic event stretching from Texas to the Carolinas,” according to Ryan Maue, a former NOAA chief scientist.
“I’m not sure how folks are going to manage,” he said.
Experts issued warnings on Tuesday about the potential for ice accumulation that could burden trees and power lines, risking widespread power outages.
“A half-inch of ice—or goodness, even an inch—could spell disaster,” remarked Keith Avery, CEO of Newberry Electric Cooperative in South Carolina.
Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
‘Widespread’ heavy precipitation forecast
The National Weather Service has cautioned that “widespread heavy snowfall, sleet, and perilous freezing rain” are anticipated across a significant portion of the central U.S., beginning Friday and moving toward the East Coast by Sunday.
Temperatures are projected to rise slowly in many areas, potentially leading to icy conditions on roadways and sidewalks.
It remains uncertain exactly when the storm will arrive and which areas will be impacted by rain and ice.
Cold air meets rain for ‘winter storms’
An extremely frigid air mass from the Arctic is expected to sweep down from Canada, intersecting with low temperatures and rain moving east across the southern U.S.
“Even during the height of winter, this is pretty extreme,” noted meteorologist Brian Jackson from the National Weather Service.
When these cold conditions meet the moisture from the rain, a “major winter storm” is anticipated, with significant weather impacts likely.
Atmospheric rivers may develop
By the end of the week, forecasters predict that rivers of atmospheric moisture might form, leading to more precipitation throughout Texas and parts of the Gulf Coast, extending into Georgia and the Carolinas.
“The models show a concerning scenario for this weekend, particularly with ice storms likely affecting parts of North and central Georgia,” the Atlanta branch of the National Weather Service stated.
If substantial ice accumulates in metropolitan regions, it could pose a serious issue as temperatures in Atlanta are expected to hover around 22 degrees Fahrenheit early Monday morning, with a highs near 35 degrees later that day.
Travel disruptions anticipated
Travel concerns are heightened, especially since southern states typically lack the resources to clear snow and ice, and the predicted extreme cold may prevent any melting for days. In Michigan, over a hundred vehicles were reported to have been involved in crashes on an interstate close to Grand Rapids on Monday.
This storm could also significantly affect major airports, including those in Dallas and Atlanta, as well as Memphis, Tennessee, and Charlotte, North Carolina.
Polar air keeps northern states icy
Most of the northern U.S. is already grappling with severe cold, and the Arctic air coming later this week is expected to be exceptionally frigid.
“There’s a significant low-pressure area near Hudson Bay,” Jackson explained, noting its influence on weather patterns across North America.
Texas may face early storm impacts
The initial consequences of the storm could be felt in Texas as early as Friday, as an Arctic air mass descends over much of the state, according to National Weather Service forecaster Sam Shamberger.
“Meanwhile, rain is also predicted to affect much of Texas,” he added.
Low temperatures might dip into the 20s or even the 10s in parts of Texas by Saturday, with wintry weather possible in the northern regions. There’s still considerable uncertainty regarding just how much ice and snow will accumulate, particularly in north and central Texas.
“It’s going to be quite a challenge to predict,” Schamberger noted.
Customers stock up in preparation
In Little Rock, Arkansas, customers flocked to Fuller & Son Hardware to purchase supplies on Tuesday.
“Parents with young kids are picking up sleds right now,” said James Carter, the operations director.
People are also buying shovels, ice-melt products, and covers for outdoor faucets to prevent freezing as local temperatures are projected to fall into the teens.
