Every winter, residents of the Southern states anticipate the possibility of wintry weather impacting their region, knowing the significant consequences it can bring. Contrary to popular belief, snow and ice in the South are not as uncommon as one might think. Here are five essential insights to deepen your understanding of wintry weather phenomena in the South.
1) Essential Ingredients:
For snow and ice to materialize in the South, several critical factors must align. Firstly, cold air must be present, often facilitated by the polar jet stream dipping southward across the United States a few times each winter. Moisture serves as the second key ingredient, with the ideal scenario involving the subtropical jet stream traversing the South, allowing disturbances to generate lift in the atmosphere. When the atmospheric conditions are conducive and the surface air is sufficiently cold, snow, sleet, or freezing rain can form. Additionally, unique weather patterns, such as a strong low-pressure system near the Gulf Coast or off the Southeast Coast, can also contribute to wintry conditions in the South.
2) Peak Season for Winter Storms:
January and February typically mark the peak period for winter storms in the South, as this is when the necessary ingredients converge most frequently. In some years, a persistent cold and active weather pattern over the East can result in multiple rounds of snow and ice across Southern regions. While January and February are prime months, snow events can still occur in late fall and March under favorable conditions.
3) Surprising Seasonal Totals:
Many Southern locations receive snow at least once every other snowfall season, though accumulations are often minimal, averaging less than an inch. For instance, cities like Charleston, South Carolina; Jackson, Mississippi; Montgomery, Alabama; and Macon, Georgia typically witness modest snowfall amounts each year. However, over the course of a season, these accumulations can add up significantly, with cities like Raleigh, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; and Atlanta, Georgia seeing average seasonal snowfall ranging from 2 to 5 inches. Higher elevations, such as Asheville, North Carolina, often experience more substantial snowfall, averaging over 10 inches per season.
4) Ice Concerns:
In addition to snow, the Southern region frequently contends with the threat of ice, with sleet and freezing rain occurrences being relatively common. This wintry mix poses challenges each season, impacting various areas across the South.
By understanding these key insights, you can better prepare for and appreciate the complexities of snow and ice phenomena in the Southern United States.
Snow forms in the atmosphere when temperatures are below freezing both near the surface and aloft. However, sleet or freezing rain can develop when temperatures near the ground are below freezing while the air a few thousand feet above is warmer. Sleet is produced when precipitation refreezes before reaching the ground, while freezing rain occurs when it freezes upon contact with a cold surface.
The Piedmont regions of the Carolinas and northern Georgia are prone to experiencing these weather phenomena due to the accumulation of cold air against the eastern slopes of the Appalachians. This results in cold air lingering near the surface, leading to instances of sleet and freezing rain.
Historically, heavy accumulations of freezing rain have had significant impacts on parts of the South, causing tree damage and widespread power outages in some cases. Even though snow and ice amounts may be relatively low, the impacts can still be substantial, especially given the infrequent occurrence of wintry weather in the region. This lack of experience with winter driving and limited road treatment equipment can quickly make roads dangerous, necessitating caution and potentially business closures.
An example of such impactful winter weather was witnessed in January 2014 when Winter Storm Leon affected parts of the South, leaving people stranded in vehicles across the Atlanta area. It is hoped that lessons learned from past winter storms will help minimize the impacts of future events.
Linda Lam, a lead meteorologist at weather.com, developed a fascination for winter storms and hurricanes while growing up in Massachusetts, which ultimately led her to pursue a career in meteorology.
