Winter Storm Blankets Southern U.S. In Snow And Ice

Stacy Whitehead walks with her dog, Dolly, as the sun highlights the ice-covered limbs above the walking trail at Legion Park in Owensboro, Ky., Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (Alan Warren/The Messenger-Inqu

A powerful winter storm that originated in Texas and Oklahoma has now moved eastward into several southern U.S. states, leading to states of emergency being declared by governors and widespread school closures across the region. The storm has caused heavy snowfall and icy road conditions, prompting significant disruptions in daily life.

Arkansas Governor mobilized the National Guard to assist stranded motorists, while millions of students from Texas to Georgia and South Carolina have had their school days canceled. The National Weather Service predicts some of the heaviest snowfall to occur in northern Arkansas and Tennessee, with snow totals ranging from 6 to 9 inches in certain areas.

As the storm progresses south and eastward, states like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama are experiencing a mix of sleet and freezing rain, making travel extremely hazardous. Central Oklahoma and northern Texas have already seen up to 7 inches of snow, leading to flight delays and cancellations.

The storm is expected to impact a wide swath of states, including Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel, especially with a major college football game scheduled in Arlington.

States of emergency declared in several southern U.S. states.

Storm originated in Texas and Oklahoma, moving eastward.

National Guard mobilized in Arkansas to assist stranded motorists.

Millions of students affected by school closures from Texas to Georgia.

Heavy snowfall predicted in northern Arkansas and Tennessee.

Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama experiencing sleet and freezing rain.

Central Oklahoma and northern Texas already saw up to 7 inches of snow.

Multiple states, including Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina, impacted.

Georgia and Tennessee declared states of emergency.

Richmond, Virginia, under boil-water advisory due to storm-related power outage.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency as the state braces for snow and ice accumulation, with metro Atlanta likely to be affected. In Tennessee, schools have been closed, and warming centers have been opened to provide shelter for those in need.

South Carolina is preparing for its first significant wintry weather in three years, with the Department of Transportation taking measures to treat highways. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm, which is expected to bring snow, sleet, and freezing rain to the region.

Richmond, Virginia, is under a boil-water advisory following a storm-related power outage that disrupted the water reservoir system. The city is distributing bottled water and providing assistance to residents affected by the situation.