DALLAS — Schools and buildings across Texas to Georgia are closing as freezing rain and snow are forecasted for much of the Southern U.S., prompting concerns over travel disruptions.
More than 1 million Texas students are impacted as schools cancel classes in anticipation of hazardous icy conditions expected to persist into Friday. Similar closures are reported in Kansas City and Little Rock, Arkansas, while Richmond, Virginia, is under a weather-related boil advisory.
This cold snap coincides with rare January wildfires in the Los Angeles area, leading many residents to evacuate dangerous conditions.
In the Dallas area, preparations are underway as crews treat roads ahead of an expected 2 to 4 inches of snow. Northern regions near Oklahoma could see snowfall totaling up to 5 inches, according to the National Weather Service.
Governor Greg Abbott has deployed emergency crews and urged residents to limit driving during the inclement weather. Many locals, like Dallas resident Gina Eaton, have expressed caution about sharing the roads with drivers unused to icy conditions.
With 75,000 fans expected to attend the Cotton Bowl semifinal between Texas and Ohio State in Arlington, road conditions could be challenging. City officials confirm readiness to address potential hazards.
A mix of sleet, snow, and freezing rain is anticipated from New Mexico to Alabama, with Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas likely to experience the heaviest accumulations.
The adverse weather system is expected to move northeastward, impacting areas as far as the Virginia and North Carolina coasts. Predictions indicate that parts of Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia could receive up to 8 inches of snow through Saturday, according to weather service updates.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has announced the closure of some state offices, while Atlanta’s city offices will also be closed, transitioning to remote work.
Tennessee officials expect school closures statewide, though these decisions will be made at the local level.
Meteorological experts warn that the polar vortex’s path is shifting, leading to more frequent cold weather events in a warming world.
In Kansas, snow accumulation has reached unprecedented levels, posing significant challenges for local farmers and ranchers. The extreme cold is particularly dangerous for young livestock, as survival rates drop when temperatures plunge.
Florida growers express concern over potential damage to ferns, crucial for floral arrangements, just weeks before Valentine’s Day.
Richmond remains under a boil-water advisory as city officials work to restore the water reservoir system, which malfunctioned following a storm-induced power outage. The city is distributing bottled water to residents in need.
Governor Glenn Youngkin has emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting families are grappling with access to clean water.
The winter storms have led to widespread travel disruptions, with thousands of flights delayed or canceled and numerous accidents reported across several states. Tragically, multiple fatalities have occurred due to weather-related incidents since last weekend.
