Winter storm alerts posted from Dallas to Atlanta as massive travel disruptions expected from heavy snow, ice

DALLAS – Another high-impact winter storm is expected to blast across the U.S. this week, just days after the first major winter storm of 2025 came to an end.

The FOX Forecast Center said the incoming storm will likely impact cities farther south than the most recent storm, putting millions of people in cities such as Dallas, Little Rock in Arkansas, Memphis and Nashville in Tennessee and Atlanta on alert for winter weather.

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The first Winter Storm Warnings have been issued in the southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley and include the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and Little Rock, Arkansas. Meanwhile, Winter Storm Watches extend eastward across the South to western North Carolina and North Georgia, including the Atlanta metro area.

Light snow began Wednesday across portions of New Mexico and western Texas. It will remain light at first, but snow and freezing rain will expand and spread across West and North Texas into the Ark-La-Tex region on Thursday. Significant impacts on travel are likely, including Interstates 35, 20 and 40.

Dallas, which only averages about 1.6 inches of snow each year, will likely see more than a year's worth of snow from this system and could be facing its biggest snowstorm since 2010, according to the FOX Forecast Center. Snow totals could reach 1-3 inches with isolated amounts to 4 inches across the Metroplex, especially on the northern side. 

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has already activated state emergency response resources ahead of the anticipated storm. "The State of Texas is working around the clock to ensure Texans have the resources and support needed as severe winter weather impacts communities across Texas," Abbot said in a statement. 

More than 700 Texas Department of Transportation crews prepared for winter weather by pre-treating roads, bridges and overpasses with more than 500,000 gallons of brine and approximately 800 cubic yards of granular material as temperatures dropped.

"We actually have eight snowplows that are ready to go," said Tina Richardson, assistant director for Dallas Public Works.  "And we have the ability to make 20,000 gallons of brine each day."

Travel in cities to the south along Interstate 35, like Austin and San Antonio, may be dealing with freezing rain, which would make driving dangerous.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) said last weekend that it issued a Weather Watch due to the expected cold temperatures, a higher electrical demand and the potential for lower reserves. Officials said grid conditions are expected to be normal during an ERCOT Weather Watch, but conditions would be monitored and would deploy all available tools to manage the grid.

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Officials prepare for wintry conditions as fans arrive for Cotton Bowl

Football fans traveling to North Texas for the Cotton Bowl Classic between the University of Texas and Ohio State University on Friday may encounter more than just southern hospitality in Arlington.

Cotton Bowl officials tell FOX Weather that they are routinely monitoring weather reports and are in close contact with stadium and local officials. 

"We always have plans for inclement weather," said Scottie Rodgers, vice president of communications for the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. "Should conditions warrant it, we will communicate to everyone attending and connected with this year’s Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic."

Officials throughout Texas voiced the same level of confidence regarding hazardous weather preparations.

"We are closely monitoring travel conditions into the city, especially as we prepare to host fans and teams for the Cotton Bowl," said Kevin Oden, Director of Emergency Management & Crisis Response. "Our priority is ensuring safe travel for the teams and their fans visiting Dallas in the Metroplex, allowing them to enjoy their time here safely."

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Snow, ice threat moves to Atlanta and Southeast on Friday

On Friday, the mix of snow and ice will spread into the Southeast, with cities like Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville in Tennessee looking at plowable snow, while cities like Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta flirting with both snow and a significant ice storm.  Nashville could see 3-5 inches of snow. 

Atlanta is inside a Winter Storm Watch for the potential of 1-4 inches of snow and/or sleet accumulation Friday into early Saturday with an additional threat of a glaze of freezing rain up to a tenth of an inch accretion. 

Higher snow totals are possible in northern Georgia for up to 3-6 inches or more.

Uncertain forecast over the weekend

The forecast becomes even more uncertain as we head into the weekend.

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The FOX Forecast Center said the system could remain weak and move to the east and into the Atlantic Ocean, while another scenario finds the storm strengthening as it reaches the East Coast.

If that occurs, the storm could move north and potentially bring substantial snow and wind to the Northeast.

Be sure to download the free FOX Weather app and enable notifications to be alerted to any changes in the forecast.