Southeast and Mid-Atlantic States Brace for High-Impact Winter Storm With Ice, Snow and Dangerous Cold
UNITED STATES — A significant winter storm is increasingly likely to impact a large portion of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic United States from Saturday through early next week, bringing a dangerous mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain and extreme cold. Forecast guidance shows high confidence that precipitation will occur, but the exact type and placement remain critical uncertainties, especially across Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee, where even small track shifts could dramatically change impacts.
Storm Setup and Three Possible Precipitation Tracks
Forecast data outlines three primary storm track scenarios, each with different consequences for the region.
In the colder southern track, low pressure remains suppressed farther south, keeping cold air locked in place. This setup would push the snow line deeper into the Carolinas and southern Appalachians, increasing the chance of mostly snow or snow-dominant mixes for northern portions of North Carolina and Tennessee, while limiting the worst ice accumulation. This is considered the least damaging ice scenario, though travel would still be significantly impacted by snow-covered roads.
A middle-track scenario introduces a warmer layer aloft, often called the “warm nose.” In this case, snow would initially fall before transitioning to sleet and freezing rain, creating a hard-packed icy surface that is extremely difficult to treat. This outcome places Charlotte, Greenville, Asheville and surrounding areas in a prolonged icy mix with elevated road hazards.
The northern and inland track is the most concerning. Warm air overruns a cold surface wedge, producing widespread freezing rain. Under this scenario, much of Georgia, the Carolinas and parts of Tennessee would sit in the bullseye for a crippling ice storm, raising serious concerns for power outages, falling trees and extended infrastructure disruptions.
Snow and Ice Probabilities Highlight Impact Zones
Probability maps show moderate to high chances of at least 6 inches of snow across parts of eastern Tennessee, southwest Virginia and the higher elevations of North Carolina, particularly near the Appalachians. Meanwhile, freezing rain probabilities increase sharply moving south and east, with central and southern North Carolina, upstate South Carolina and north Georgia showing elevated risk for ¼ inch or more of ice accumulation.
This sharp gradient between snow and ice means small temperature changes could swing totals dramatically. Areas that see snow may still transition to sleet or freezing rain, compounding impacts and limiting snow removal effectiveness.
Extreme Cold and Wind Chill Concerns
Beyond precipitation, prolonged cold is a major concern. Forecast temperature trends indicate single-digit lows and sub-zero wind chills across parts of the Southeast following the storm. Even where ice or snow totals are lower, dangerously cold air will slow melting, extending hazardous conditions for several days.
This combination of ice-laden trees, gusty winds and persistent cold increases the likelihood of long-duration power outages, particularly in rural and heavily wooded areas. Communities without reliable backup heat sources may face serious safety challenges if outages occur.
What Residents Should Prepare For
Residents across impacted states should prepare for rapidly deteriorating travel conditions, possible road closures, and limited emergency response times during peak icing periods. Those in ice-prone zones are urged to secure alternate heat sources, charge essential devices, and identify warming shelters or safe locations ahead of time.
Forecast confidence continues to improve, but precipitation type remains the key variable. Additional model updates over the next 24–48 hours will help refine the highest-risk corridors as the system approaches.
For continued updates, storm analysis, and regional impact coverage, visit Cabarrusweekly.com, where we track major weather events affecting travel, safety, and live events across the country.
