A significant winter storm is forecasted to affect parts of the central and eastern United States this week, bringing heavy snowfall and strong winds that may disrupt travel and cause power outages. The National Weather Service has reported that the storm will originate from Northern Mexico, moving towards the Western Gulf Coast by Thursday evening and reaching the Central Gulf Coast by Friday morning. It is expected to progress northeastward, reaching western Florida by Friday evening and the southern Mid-Atlantic Coast by Saturday, producing heavy snow, ice, and freezing rain from the Southern Plains to the southern Mid-Atlantic region.
Snow accumulations of 6-8 inches are predicted from southeast Oklahoma to western North Carolina, with a quarter-inch of ice and freezing rain anticipated from the Southern Plains to the Lower Mississippi Valley. On Friday, areas in the Southeast, Southern Appalachians, and southern Mid-Atlantic are likely to experience icing and freezing rain, with around a tenth of an inch expected. The storm will bring widespread closures, hazardous travel conditions, power outages, and fallen branches across the Red River Valley, southern Ozarks, Lower Mississippi Valley, Tennessee Valley, and Southern Appalachians.
The Tennessee Valley is projected to receive up to 6 inches of snow on Friday. Parts of northern, western, and central Arkansas, including the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, are expected to see significant snowfall, with 6-7 inches forecasted for Little Rock and areas to the north. Meanwhile, Florida could face damaging freezes along the central Gulf Coast and the Florida Peninsula from Thursday to Sunday, with potential cold rain along the Interstate 10 corridor through Jacksonville. Georgia is also bracing for snow in West Georgia early Friday morning, moving eastward thereafter. Stay safe and updated on the latest weather information in these areas affected by the impending winter storm.
The National Weather Service reported on Thursday morning that parts of northern Georgia are expected to receive 1 to 3 inches of snow, with higher amounts likely in the higher elevations of the North Georgia mountains. Atlanta and areas south may experience a mix of precipitation types, and the NWS mentioned that changes in the forecast could lead to accumulating snow farther south than currently predicted.
In Kansas, snow is anticipated Thursday afternoon and evening, with 1 to 4 inches possible along and southeast of the Kansas Turnpike. Higher totals are expected in southeast Kansas.
Kentucky is also bracing for snow on Friday afternoon and evening, with Louisville and surrounding areas expected to receive 3-4 inches, while southern and southeastern Kentucky could see up to 6 inches.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for most of northwestern Louisiana, with heavy mixed precipitation expected and total snow accumulations of 2-6 inches, along with ice accumulations up to a third of an inch.
Southwest Missouri is expected to experience snow on Thursday night through Friday night, with varying amounts due to bands of snow development. Springfield may see between 3-5 inches, with areas just south potentially receiving up to 6 inches.
Central North Carolina is under a Winter Storm Watch from Friday afternoon into Saturday morning, as per the NWS.
A snowfall of 1 to 3 inches is forecasted across the state until Saturday. Updated storm total snow and ice forecasts are available, along with a 60% chance of precipitation on Friday. More graphics can be viewed at the following link: https://t.co/DfLxmVP3wE. Stay informed with the latest updates from NWS Raleigh.
Oklahoma weather update: Some parts of southwest and central Oklahoma have started experiencing a mix of sleet and snow this Thursday morning. Snow accumulations ranging from 2 to 7 inches are expected between 6 a.m. Thursday and noon Friday, with the highest totals anticipated in South Central and Southeastern Oklahoma. The Winter Storm Warning has been expanded, with average snowfall accumulations of 3 to 7 inches in the warning area and 2 to 3 inches in the advisory zone. Keep an eye on the changing weather conditions. #okwx #texomawx
South Carolina’s weather outlook includes a potential wintry mix on Friday into the night in central areas, including the capital region of Columbia. Freezing rain is possible early Saturday along and northwest of Interstate-20. The majority of snowfall, ranging from 1 to 5 inches, is expected north of Columbia, particularly in Greenville. Prepare for the upcoming storm system and stay updated with the latest forecasts from NWS Columbia.
Tennessee is expected to see snow across West, Middle, and East regions starting Friday. West Tennessee will experience heavy snowfall on Friday, especially in the Memphis metro area, with accumulations between 4 to 6 inches and possibly higher amounts locally. Middle Tennessee will also see snow starting early Friday morning, with Nashville expecting 4 to 6 inches. East Tennessee is forecasted to receive 2 to 6 inches of snow by Saturday morning, with higher amounts in areas north of I-40 and west of I-81. Stay prepared for significant travel disruptions due to the snowfall. #tnwx
A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for portions of the area. Snow totals of 1-3″ are likely with the potential for a narrow band of 4-5″. Impacts from this system will begin Friday evening and last into the first half of Saturday. – NWS Wakefield (@NWSWakefieldVA) January 9, 2025
Combined snow and sleet amounts between 2-5 inches are forecast for the Dallas area, especially along and north of I-20, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). “There is an increasing threat for intense banded snowfall north and northeast of the Metroplex which may result in isolated snowfall accumulations between 8-10 inches resulting in higher impacts,” the NWS said Thursday morning.
The coverage of winter precipitation is expected to increase Thursday, especially in the afternoon and evening across much of North Texas, the NWS said. A wintry mix is likely across parts of Central Texas, but will mostly result in cold rain, according to the weather service.
Texas weather forecast: Combined snow and sleet amounts between 2-5 inches are forecast along and north of I-20. There is an increasing threat for intense banded snowfall north and northeast of the Metroplex which may result in isolated snowfall accumulations between 8-10 inches resulting in higher impacts. – NWS Fort Worth (@NWSFortWorth) January 9, 2025
A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for portions of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Virginia, according to the NWS. Snow totals between 1-3 inches are likely with the potential for a narrow band of 4-5 inches.
“Impacts from this system will begin Friday evening and last into the first half of Saturday,” the weather service said Thursday.
Virginia weather forecast: A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for portions of the area. Snow totals of 1-3 inches are likely with the potential for a narrow band of 4-5 inches. Impacts from this system will begin Friday evening and last into the first half of Saturday. #mdwx #vawx #ncwx – NWS Wakefield (@NWSWakefieldVA) January 9, 2025
