by Atlanta, GA – A potentially catastrophic winter storm is expected to sweep across a large portion of the United States this weekend, bringing heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and bitterly cold temperatures from Texas to the Carolinas. Forecasters warn the storm could begin late Friday and persist through Sunday, raising serious concerns about dangerous travel conditions and widespread power outages.
Widespread Winter Weather Threat Emerges
Meteorologists say the storm will impact multiple regions as a powerful Arctic air mass plunges south from Canada, colliding with moisture moving east across the southern United States. This clash is expected to create a large swath of hazardous winter weather, including heavy snow, sleet, and treacherous ice.
Former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration chief scientist Ryan Maue described the system as a “widespread potentially catastrophic event from Texas to the Carolinas,” emphasizing the scale and severity of the threat.
“I don’t know how people are going to deal with it,” Maue said.
Forecasters stress that the storm’s reach could affect tens of millions of people, particularly in areas that rarely experience prolonged winter weather.
Timeline and Storm Progression
The storm’s earliest impacts could be felt in Texas on Friday, when Arctic air surges south through much of the state. At the same time, rain moving into the region could quickly transition to freezing rain or snow as temperatures fall.
“At the same time, we’re expecting rain to move into much of the state,” said National Weather Service forecaster Sam Shamburger.
From Friday into Sunday, heavy winter precipitation is forecast to spread across much of the Midwest, before pushing east toward the Southeast and East Coast. Forecasters warn that rapidly changing conditions could make it difficult to predict exactly where rain will turn into snow or ice.
Heavy Snow and Ice Accumulation Expected
Some of the most intense snowfall could occur in the southern Appalachian Mountains, where up to two feet of snow is possible. In lower elevations, freezing rain and sleet could accumulate on trees and power lines, significantly increasing the risk of power outages.
Ice accumulation is especially concerning, as even small amounts can weigh down infrastructure. Combined with gusty winds, ice-covered branches and lines may snap, leaving communities without electricity for extended periods.
Bitter Cold to Prolong Dangerous Conditions
Adding to the danger, bone-chilling temperatures are expected to linger after the storm passes. Forecasters say temperatures in many areas could plunge to the coldest levels of the season, allowing ice to remain on roads and sidewalks for days.
National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Jackson said the cold air is unusually intense.
“This is extreme, even for this being the peak of winter,” Jackson said.
The prolonged cold raises concerns about refreezing overnight, which can turn partially cleared roads back into sheets of ice.
Travel Disruptions and Airport Impacts
The storm is expected to cause major travel disruptions, particularly in Southern states that have limited snow and ice removal equipment. Roadways could become impassable, and officials are urging people to avoid unnecessary travel.
Meteorologist Jordan Steele issued a blunt warning ahead of the storm.
“This is not good. Plan now! Plan for going day(s) without power this weekend,” Steele cautioned.
In a separate post, Steele added:
“School cancellations next week. Do not plan a road trip this weekend.”
Several major air travel hubs are also expected to be impacted, including Dallas, Atlanta, Memphis, Tennessee, and Charlotte, North Carolina, potentially leading to flight delays and cancellations.
Recent Weather Highlights Ongoing Risks
The dangers of winter weather were already evident earlier this week. On Monday, icy conditions in Michigan caused more than 100 vehicles to pile up after crashing and sliding on an interstate southwest of Grand Rapids, underscoring how quickly winter storms can turn deadly.
Forecast Uncertainty Remains
Despite strong confidence in the storm’s severity, forecasters caution that the exact path and precipitation types remain uncertain. Small shifts in temperature could determine whether some areas receive rain, snow, or significant ice — a critical difference when it comes to safety and infrastructure damage.
Safety and Preparedness Tips
Emergency officials are urging residents to prepare now by stocking food, water, medications, flashlights, and batteries, and by having a plan in place in case of prolonged power outages. Drivers are advised to stay off roads during the storm’s peak and to check local advisories before traveling.
Conclusion
A powerful winter storm is poised to impact a vast stretch of the United States this weekend, bringing dangerous snow, ice, extreme cold, and potential power outages from Texas to the Carolinas. With conditions expected to deteriorate rapidly, residents are urged to prepare early, monitor forecasts closely, and prioritize safety.
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