Key Takeaways:
- A severe winter storm is expected to hit the US South over the weekend, with over 6 inches of snow expected in some areas
- The storm is expected to bring freezing rain and sleet to the Southern Plains, Mid-South, Tennessee Valley, and southern Mid-Atlantic
- The storm is not expected to be as devastating as previous winter storms in the South, such as the 2021 Texas freeze or the 2025 Southern Winter Storm
- The US South has a history of enduring major winter storms, including the Great Appalachian Storm of 1950, the New Year’s Snowstorm of 1964, and the Storm of the Century in 1993
- The storm is expected to have a significant impact on daily life, with thousands of people prepping for the worst-case scenario and buying out stores
Introduction to the Winter Storm
The US South is bracing for a severe winter storm that is expected to hit the region over the weekend, beginning on Friday, January 23. According to the National Weather Service’s latest forecast, there is a chance for more than 6 inches of snow to fall from New Mexico through the Texas panhandle and into the Mississippi Valley through Sunday, January 25. Areas around the Ohio Valley could see upwards of 8 to 10 inches within the same time frame, while areas north of Virginia could see 6 to 12 inches by Sunday. Freezing rain and sleet are also expected to pound the Southern Plains, the Mid-South, Tennessee Valley, and the southern Mid-Atlantic.
Historical Context of Winter Storms in the US South
The US South has a history of enduring major winter storms, with some of the most notable including the Great Appalachian Storm of 1950, the New Year’s Snowstorm of 1964, and the Storm of the Century in 1993. The Great Appalachian Storm of 1950, which occurred from November 22-30, 1950, dumped a deadly amount of snow across the Appalachian region, with some areas receiving up to 62 inches of snow. The storm caused extreme cold, high winds, and flooding, resulting in 160 deaths and significant damage to crops. The New Year’s Snowstorm of 1964, which occurred from December 31, 1963, to January 1, 1964, brought snowfall in the double digits to the Tennessee Valley, with some areas receiving over 17 inches of snow.
Notable Winter Storms in the US South
Other notable winter storms in the US South include the Great Southeastern Snowstorm of 1973, which set new all-time snowfall records in South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina. The Christmas Coastal Snowstorm of 1989, which occurred from December 22-24, 1989, brought snow to the Southeast US, with some areas receiving up to 15.3 inches of snow. The Storm of the Century, which occurred from March 12-15, 1993, affected over 100 million people and caused the largest weather-related air travel interruption in the US. The storm brought heavy snowfall, high winds, and tornadoes to the East Coast, resulting in over 270 deaths.
Recent Winter Storms in the US South
More recent winter storms in the US South include the Atlanta Pre-Super Bowl Ice Storm of 2000, which knocked out power for roughly 500,000 people in the Atlanta metro area, and the Great Texas Freeze of 2021, which brought a combination of freezing temperatures and a failing power grid to Texas, resulting in over 200 deaths. The January 2025 Southern Winter Storm, which brought a blast of Arctic air to Louisiana and East Texas, sent temperatures plummeting to historic lows and brought snow to the region, with some areas receiving up to 4.5 inches of snow.
Preparations for the Upcoming Storm
As the US South prepares for the upcoming winter storm, thousands of people are taking precautions to prepare for the worst-case scenario. Stores are being stocked up with supplies, and homes are being fortified in anticipation of the storm. While meteorologists do not expect the storm to be as devastating as some of the previous winter storms in the South, it is still expected to have a significant impact on daily life. The storm is expected to bring freezing rain and sleet to the Southern Plains, Mid-South, Tennessee Valley, and southern Mid-Atlantic, making travel and daily activities hazardous.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the US South is bracing for a severe winter storm that is expected to hit the region over the weekend. The storm has the potential to bring significant snowfall, freezing rain, and sleet to the region, making travel and daily activities hazardous. While the storm is not expected to be as devastating as some of the previous winter storms in the South, it is still expected to have a significant impact on daily life. As the region prepares for the storm, it is essential to take precautions and stay informed about the latest weather forecast to ensure safety and minimize disruptions.
