“In areas where snow and ice are rare occurrences, such as Austin, Dallas, Little Rock, and Nashville, the impending winter storm is anticipated to make a significant impact,” stated AccuWeather meteorologist Tom Kines in an interview with USA TODAY earlier this week. Kines highlighted the potential for cities like Dallas to experience some of the most substantial snowfall in several years.
As the storm progresses eastward, meteorologists are predicting snowfall in Nashville, Atlanta, and Charlotte, North Carolina as it traverses the Appalachians early this weekend. Significant delays and cancellations are expected at major airports across the central and eastern United States.
Following the departure of a severe winter storm, concerns are growing about the possibility of another storm brewing. The weather forecast indicates winter storm warnings issued for the south-central U.S. in advance of the snowfall.
Winter storm warnings have been issued in northeastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, southern Arkansas, and northern Louisiana, set to take effect early Thursday morning and expire Friday afternoon. The National Weather Service office in Dallas, where the average annual snowfall is 1.6 inches, has predicted snow accumulation ranging from 2 to 4 inches in the city and surrounding areas, with isolated higher amounts of up to 8 inches possible.
If Dallas receives a half-foot of snow, it would rank among the top five snowfalls on record, according to AccuWeather. Authorities are cautioning the public about potentially hazardous road conditions, particularly on bridges and overpasses, due to slick surfaces. The weight of snow on tree limbs combined with strong winds could lead to power outages and downed power lines. Commuters are advised to plan for slippery roads and potential delays during both the morning and evening commutes on Thursday.
Ahead of a major football game, Dallas may witness an unusual volume of snowfall typically seen over the course of an entire year. The Cotton Bowl, which is set to host the national college football semifinal, will not be directly impacted by the wintry weather as AT&T Stadium boasts a retractable roof. However, travelers heading to the game are likely to encounter challenges navigating icy and snow-covered roads.
The extent of snowfall in the Northeast remains uncertain, with varied scenarios dependent on the storm’s trajectory as it traverses the Appalachians. AccuWeather meteorologist Paul Pastelok highlighted the range of possibilities, from the storm tracking eastward with minimal snow reaching certain regions to a more potent system veering northward, bringing significant snow and ice to the mid-Atlantic and southeastern New England from Saturday into early Sunday.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for residents in affected areas to stay informed and heed advisories issued by local authorities and meteorological services. Winter weather can pose significant challenges to transportation, utilities, and overall safety, necessitating proactive measures and caution from the public.
(This article has been updated to include additional details.)
Contributing: Doyle Rice, USA TODAY
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