A new winter storm threatens to blanket parts of the South and Southeast with snow and ice by the end of the week.


High pressure over the Midwest will continue to send unusually cold air south through the end of the week. At the same time, a low pressure area will begin to develop over the western Gulf of Mexico today and Thursday, sending plenty of warm, moist air northward.


The collision of these two air masses will result in moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms along the Gulf Coast, with snow and even some ice further north starting Thursday and into early Saturday.



Winter storm watches Currently in effect from northern Texas and southeastern Oklahoma eastward through northern Georgia, Tennessee, parts of Kentucky and far western North Carolina. These include cities such as Dallas, Little Rock, Arkansas, Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee, Tupelo, Mississippi, Huntsville and Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta.


2 to 6 inches of snow is expected on the north side of this storm Thursday afternoon through Saturday morning. Additionally, a small area from northeast Texas to northern Georgia will experience freezing rain and sleet, where more than 0.05 inches of ice is possible.


Meanwhile, moderate to locally heavy rainfall will occur on the warm side of this low pressure area. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches are possible from southeast Texas to southern Mississippi. This may cause localized flooding in urban areas and areas with poor drainage. Remember: “Turn around, don’t drown!” when approaching a flooded roadway. Although isolated thunderstorms are possible on Friday, widespread storms are not currently expected.


Part of this storm system will combine with an arctic cold front that will move across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes on Friday and through the Northeast on Saturday. Along and ahead of this front, light snow will occur Friday through Saturday in the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic. Snow accumulations here will generally be less than 2 inches, but localized snow accumulations of 3 to 4 inches are possible, especially at higher elevations.


Be sure to download the WeatherBug app to stay up to date with the changing weather. Regardless of the exact route, it’s never too early to pack provisions in case of bad weather. A simple kit with a weather radio, water, blankets, batteries and non-perishable food will do the trick in the event of a power outage. It is always best to avoid traveling in inclement weather as the roads can be dangerous.