Atlanta faces threat of ‘significant ice’ Friday as far-reaching winter storm chugs across Southeast
Several inches of snow, along with periods of freezing rain and sleet, will lead to dangerous conditions and power outages across the Southeast before the storm eventually heads for the mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
Atlanta braces for potential of 'significant ice' Friday
Forecasters are warning of the potential for a winter storm to bring ice to the major travel hub of Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday.
ATLANTA – A winter storm that is producing snowy and icy weather across the southern Plains on Thursday will take aim at the Southeast, mid-Atlantic and Northeast by Friday.
Winter storm alerts stretch from New Mexico to the Virginias and north into the Midwest as the storm gathers steam in the central U.S. Travel trouble was seen at the major airline hub of Dallas, Texas, on Thursday, where more than 300 flight cancellations were reported.
Starting Friday, major cities in the Southeast, such as Little Rock, Arkansas; Nashville, Tennessee; and the major travel hub of Atlanta, Georgia, will be impacted. As much as a foot of snow is possible in parts of Arkansas.
"Also, we’ll be watching for the chance of ice, especially along Interstate 20 and to the south of there," FOX Weather Meteorologist Craig Herrera said. "You know that’s going to slow traffic down. Interstate 40 will be a tough one to contend with, as well."
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The governors of both Georgia and Alabama have issued states of emergency as officials prepare for the storm.
Meteorologists at the National Weather Service have increased their forecast for the potential of icy weather in the Atlanta area, noting that up to a third-inch of ice and up to 3 inches of snow is possible. They urged drivers to prepare for a dangerous Friday commute.
"Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous," NWS forecasters wrote in the Winter Storm Warning issued for Atlanta. "Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages."
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The ice forecast for the Atlanta, Geogia, area. (FOX Weather)
Mid-Atlantic, Northeast will also see snow
Snowy weather is expected along parts of the heavily populated Interstate 95 corridor before the storm exits the U.S. on Saturday. A couple of inches of snow is possible in places such as Washington and Philadelphia, while New York City and Boston could see a dusting.
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Crews work before dawn to clear snow East Front Plaza of the U.S. Capitol as a winter storm slams into the nation's capital on January 6, 2025, in Washington. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)
Focusing on Helene disaster zone
Areas in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee that were devastated by Hurricane Helene will see several inches of snow as the region continues to recover from the disaster.
Places such as Asheville, North Carolina, could receive as much as 3 inches of snow. Higher amounts are likely in the higher elevations near the North Carolina/Tennessee border.
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Bitter cold will accompany the storm with temperatures ranging from near freezing during the day Friday to the teens by Saturday night. Gusty winds will add an extra bite to the cold and make it dangerous to be outside.