Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, and the Carolinas Face Expanding Freezing Rain Threat as WPC Shifts Ice Zone Farther South
UNITED STATES — Confidence continues to increase in a high-impact winter storm unfolding from the Southern Plains into the Southeast, as the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) refines its forecast and expands the freezing rain threat farther south across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, and the Carolinas ahead of this weekend’s system.
WPC Takes Unusual Step to Improve Forecast Accuracy
In a notable move underscoring the seriousness of this setup, the WPC is deploying a hurricane-hunter aircraft into the storm’s parent low-pressure system over Southern California. This mission is designed to collect critical upper-air data, improving model accuracy as the system emerges into the Plains and strengthens.
This additional data is expected to help fine-tune forecasts for ice placement, snowfall bands, and storm intensity as impacts draw closer.
Ice Threat Shifted Significantly Farther South
Tuesday’s update shows the primary freezing rain corridor pushed farther south than earlier forecasts, now extending from central Georgia near Columbus to just north of Macon, with additional expansion possible.
This adjustment highlights increasing concern that shallow Arctic air will undercut warm, moisture-rich air aloft, creating a classic freezing rain setup rather than snow for many locations across the Deep South.
Understanding the Color Code: Orange Means Ice
Forecast maps clearly indicate orange-shaded areas represent freezing rain, not snow. This distinction is critical, as freezing rain is often more damaging than heavy snowfall, particularly in regions with limited winter-weather infrastructure.
Even light to moderate ice accumulation can result in downed trees, snapped power lines, widespread outages, and impassable roads.
Snow Stays North While Ice Dominates the South
Heavier snow remains more likely across northern Texas, parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and farther north, where colder air is deeper through the atmosphere. Meanwhile, areas farther south are increasingly favored for ice, where surface temperatures hover near or below freezing but warm air persists above.
This sharp gradient means small shifts in temperature or storm track could drastically alter impacts, sometimes over just a few counties.
Storm Evolution and Timing
Big snow and ice impacts are expected to begin Friday, intensify Friday night into Saturday, and linger into the weekend as the system tracks eastward. As the storm departs, Arctic air spreads farther south and east, prolonging impacts and preventing rapid melting.
Some regions may experience multiple days of dangerous cold following ice accumulation, compounding the risk of extended outages.
Why This Storm Could Be Especially Disruptive
Forecasters are increasingly concerned due to the size of the affected area, the length of time temperatures remain below freezing, and the potential overlap of ice and extreme cold. In past events, similar setups have resulted in long-lasting power disruptions and major travel shutdowns.
While exact impact locations are still being refined, confidence is high that a significant portion of the southern and eastern U.S. will experience meaningful winter weather.
What Residents Should Do Now
Residents across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia, and the Carolinas should begin preparing for the possibility of freezing rain, power outages, and dangerous travel conditions, especially from Friday through the weekend. This includes reviewing backup power options, travel plans, and cold-weather safety measures.
Forecast details will continue to evolve as new data is ingested, but the trend toward a broader and more dangerous ice threat is becoming clearer. Stay alert and share local conditions as this storm approaches at CabarrusWeekly.com.
