Snow fell in northern Texas, including Plano, Texas, on Thursday as a severe winter storm moved across the southern United States

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Sleet and snow began falling across much of the southern United States on Thursday, and more is expected on Friday as the second major winter storm sweeps across the country. Winter Storm Cora is expected to bring between 4 and 6 inches of snow between Texas and the Carolinas through Sunday. But parts of Arkansas and Tennessee could see up to 20 inches.

This is because the cold air that normally exists around the North Pole and the Arctic usually stays there. But every now and then, ice-cold air blows down over the USA. The snowstorm is expected to be the largest in years.

Andrew Dessler, a professor of atmospheric sciences at Texas A&M, says there is no consensus in the scientific community “that climate change is causing winter storms to become more frequent or colder.”

The National Weather Service typically begins issuing weather warnings two to three days before an extreme weather event. Paul Kirkwood, a meteorologist in the agency’s Fort Worth office, said: That gives people plenty of time to stock up on food and supplies.

“When you have systems like this with snow and cold air, you should try to stay indoors and not drive so much, otherwise the roads will become very slippery and dangerous for people,” he says.

The storm is expected to hit Atlanta and Virginia by Friday evening, bringing with it small amounts of ice. Kirkwood says this isn’t a major concern right now.

“To cause power outages and downed trees, you typically need to see a quarter to a half inch of ice,” he says.

In Dallas, more than 1,200 homeless people found beds through the city’s Office of Homeless Solutions. Schools in Fort Worth, Dallas and Arlington were closed Thursday and Friday because of the weather. More than 1,000 flights in Dallas Fort Worth were also suspended. In Oklahoma City, Schools and businesses were closed to encourage people to stay at home.

Dessler says that while that’s true, extremely cold weather can still occur The planet is getting hotter.

“When these very cold events happen, you’re shocked because it’s like it hasn’t happened recently because you’ve forgotten that it used to happen all the time,” he says.

As frigid air blows across the southern United States into Sunday and temperatures dip into the low 20s, break out those layers, wool socks and gloves. They keep you warmer than a thick coat.