A large and potentially high-impact winter storm expected to move across the southern United States this weekend could leave hundreds of thousands of residents without electricity for days, as heavy ice, snow, and prolonged freezing temperatures threaten power infrastructure across multiple states.
According to forecasts from the National Weather Service, winter storm watches are in effect or being closely monitored across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina, with freezing rain and ice accumulation emerging as the most serious concern in many areas.
Ice a Major Threat to Power Infrastructure
Meteorologists warn that freezing rain and sleet are especially dangerous because even a quarter inch of ice can add significant weight to trees, power lines, and utility poles. In several states, forecast guidance suggests ice accumulations approaching or exceeding one-quarter inch, with locally higher amounts possible.
- In Texas, North and Central Texas face the risk of freezing rain and sleet, with ice capable of knocking out power across the Dallas–Fort Worth region and surrounding communities.
- Louisiana and Mississippi could see widespread icing across northern and central portions of both states, areas where power infrastructure is particularly vulnerable to ice loading.
- Arkansas and Alabama are also at risk for significant ice accumulation, with northern Alabama facing the possibility of damaging freezing rain that could lead to long-duration outages.
Snow and Ice Combine Across the Tennessee Valley and Appalachians
Farther north, Tennessee and Kentucky are expected to see a combination of heavy snow and ice, increasing the strain on utility systems. Snow totals of several inches or more, combined with ice buildup, could bring down trees already stressed by freezing rain.
In the Carolinas, North Carolina and South Carolina are positioned for a prolonged icing event, particularly across the Piedmont and Upstate regions. Forecasters note that ice may linger for days due to persistent cold air behind the storm, delaying power restoration efforts.
Cold Could Prolong Outages
A key concern across the region is the extended period of sub-freezing temperatures expected after the storm passes. Cold air settling in behind the system could prevent ice from melting, making it difficult for utility crews to safely access damaged lines and restore service.
In past southern ice storms, similar conditions have resulted in multi-day power outages, school closures, and disruptions to water systems and emergency services.
Widespread Impacts Possible
Emergency managers caution that outages could be widespread, especially in rural and wooded areas where ice-laden trees are more likely to fall onto power lines. If the higher-end ice scenarios materialize, hundreds of thousands of customers across multiple states could lose power, with restoration taking several days in the hardest-hit areas.
Residents are urged to prepare for extended power outages, including charging devices, securing backup heat sources where safe, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. Officials also stress the importance of avoiding travel during the storm to allow emergency and utility crews to respond as safely and efficiently as possible.
Forecast confidence is expected to increase as the storm approaches, and winter storm watches may be upgraded to warnings in several states if ice and snow amounts become more certain.
