‘Catastrophic’ Ice Storm Threatens Millions Across the U.S. as Winter Storm Watch Expands
A massive and “potentially catastrophic” winter storm is gearing up to deliver a crippling blow to a massive swath of the country this weekend, with forecasters warning that significant, damaging freezing rain could create a generational ice event for millions. Winter Storm Watches now span over 2,000 miles, from the Southern Plains all the way to the Mid-Atlantic states, as the dangerous system takes shape.
Meteorologists are primarily concerned with a deadly cocktail of frigid Arctic air plunging south from Canada and a wave of warm, moisture-rich air flowing in from the Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico. The resulting collision is expected to produce a severe icing threat, especially across the South, which is less accustomed to such deep freezes.
The Crippling Ice Threat
The storm is expected to begin lashing the Southern Plains and Mid-South on Friday, intensifying over the weekend as it spreads eastward. Travel around major hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth is expected to come to a near standstill by the weekend.
The most alarming predictions involve ice accumulation that could lead to widespread, long-duration power outages. Experts warn that parts of Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana could see between one and one-and-a-half inches of ice accumulation. Just a quarter-inch is enough to cause widespread power line and tree branch failures; these forecasts suggest a truly devastating impact on infrastructure.
The danger zone extends well into the Tennessee Valley, where cities like Memphis and Nashville are bracing for an ice storm that could bring a half-inch to three-quarters of an inch of ice. By Sunday, the threat moves into North Georgia and the Carolinas, with areas like Charlotte, Asheville, and Raleigh looking at potentially significant ice accumulations that will make roads impassable and knock out power to tens of thousands.
Prepare for Cold, Dark Days
The severity of the situation is compounded by the bitterly cold air that will trail the storm system. Temperatures are forecast to plummet into the teens and twenties and will prevent the ice from melting quickly, meaning hazardous conditions could linger for days. In the wake of the storm, power outages could leave communities without heat for an extended period, which is why emergency officials are urging immediate preparations.
Multiple state governors, including North Carolina and Georgia, are urging residents to take the threat seriously and prepare now. Recommendations include having at least three days’ worth of food and water, fully charging all mobile devices, stocking up on necessary medications, and making sure all gas tanks are full in case a loss of power affects local stations.
Travelers are also being urged to check their plans immediately. Leaders at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, a major travel hub, confirmed their teams are in preparation mode and advised all travelers to contact their airlines before heading to the airport this weekend. The National Weather Service is blunt in its advice: residents in the affected areas should consider delaying all travel until conditions improve.
With alerts currently spanning from Arizona to New York, and with over 55 percent of the contiguous U.S. population in the potential path of snow, sleet, or freezing rain, this winter event is shaping up to be the most impactful of the season so far. Everyone in the projected path should finalize their emergency plans today.
