Winter Storm Threatens Southern U.S. With Snow And Ice

A man uses a blower to clear snow from a sidewalk as a winter storm sweeps over the intermountain West and across the country Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, in southeast Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

A developing winter storm is set to bring snow, sleet, and freezing rain to parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas as frigid air from the Arctic grips the southernmost regions of the United States. National Weather Service meteorologists have issued warnings for wintry precipitation across the southern Plains region starting Wednesday night, with snow expected in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Further south, the snow may transition to sleet and freezing rain, creating hazardous driving conditions.

An arctic blast has swept across much of the U.S. east of the Rockies, leading to numerous car accidents and flight disruptions. Warming shelters have been set up in various communities, including a roller rink in Cincinnati and the Providence, Rhode Island, City Council chambers.

The cold front has prompted a cold weather advisory for the Gulf Coast, with temperatures dropping significantly in El Paso, Texas. The National Weather Service has forecasted wind chills ranging from 0 to 15 degrees early Wednesday.

Cold front causes car accidents and flight disruptions across the U.S.

National Weather Service warns of wintry precipitation in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

Warming shelters set up in various communities for those affected by the cold.

Polar vortex extends into the U.S., Europe, and Asia due to global warming.

Preparations underway in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas for the storm.

Cotton Bowl in Arlington, Texas, prepares for hazardous road conditions.

Unusually cold temperatures in southeastern Georgia and northern Florida.

Forecasters predict more snow and ice from central Plains to mid-Atlantic region.

Virginia's state Capitol and General Assembly buildings closed due to power outage.

Residents in Richmond under boil-water notice due to weather-related issues.

The polar vortex, typically confined to the North Pole, has extended its reach into the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Experts suggest that these cold air outbreaks are becoming more frequent due to global warming.

As northern and eastern regions brace for snow and ice, preparations are underway in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Crews in Texas are treating roads in anticipation of snow, sleet, and rain. Dallas officials are in a state of preparedness for the storm.

The storm's arrival coincides with the Cotton Bowl in Arlington, Texas, where 75,000 fans are expected to gather. Arlington authorities have mobilized resources to address any hazardous road conditions around the stadium.

Parts of southeastern Georgia and northern Florida have experienced unusually cold temperatures, with freeze warnings in effect. Growers in Florida are concerned about the impact on the fern crop used in floral arrangements.

Forecasters predict more snow and ice from the central Plains to the mid-Atlantic region, potentially leading to treacherous black ice on roadways. Several states have reported hundreds of car accidents, power outages, and flight disruptions.

Virginia's state Capitol and General Assembly buildings will remain closed due to a weather-related power outage, delaying the start of the legislative session. Residents in Richmond are under a boil-water notice, which may be lifted soon.

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