Schools and buildings in several states across the Southern U.S. were forced to close as freezing rain and snow were forecasted to hit the region. Texas, Kansas City, and Little Rock were among the areas where classes were canceled, affecting over a million students. In Virginia's capital, Richmond, a weather-related boil advisory was issued, urging residents to take precautions.
In Texas, emergency crews were deployed in anticipation of icy conditions, with up to 5 inches of snow expected in some areas. The state's governor advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Meanwhile, in Dallas, road crews treated streets ahead of the snowfall, as residents braced for the winter weather.
As the storm system moved northeastward, a mix of sleet, snow, and freezing rain was predicted from New Mexico to Alabama. Heavy snowfall was expected in states like Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. The weather service warned of significant snow accumulations in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced the closure of some state offices, while Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens stated that city offices would be shut with employees working remotely. In Tennessee, school closures were expected on Friday, with decisions left to local authorities.
The extreme weather conditions have also impacted agriculture, with parts of Kansas experiencing record snowfall. Farmers and ranchers faced challenges in caring for livestock, especially calves vulnerable to subzero temperatures. In Florida, concerns were raised about the impact on fern cultivation ahead of Valentine's Day.
Travel disruptions were widespread, with thousands of flights delayed or canceled and numerous car accidents reported across several states. Fatalities were reported in Virginia, Indiana, Kansas, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Kentucky due to weather-related accidents.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of the winter storms, officials are working to restore essential services and provide assistance to affected communities. The situation remains fluid as the weather system continues to move across the Southern U.S.
