A powerful winter storm swept through the Southern U.S., leaving a trail of heavy snow, icy roads, and widespread disruptions. States like Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Georgia were hit hardest, with some areas reporting more than a year’s worth of snowfall in just a few hours.
Little Rock, Arkansas, recorded nearly 10 inches of snow—well above its annual average—while Memphis, Tennessee, saw over 7 inches. The unusual weather extended as far as South Carolina, where parts of the state experienced their first wintry conditions in three years.
The storm led to treacherous travel conditions, with hundreds of flights canceled and roads slick with ice. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport declared a ground stop, and a Delta flight’s aborted takeoff due to an engine issue added to the chaos. In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott urged residents to stay off the roads, with significant traffic snarls reported across the region.
Millions of students in affected areas enjoyed snow days, with schools opting for closures or virtual learning. In Atlanta, 12-year-old Mikayla Johnson reveled in the rare sight, building snowmen and making snow angels. However, the freezing rain and snow mix in states like Georgia and the Carolinas raised concerns about downed power lines, leaving over 130,000 without electricity.
The polar vortex, which occasionally dips southward from the Arctic, brought record-breaking cold and snow to regions unaccustomed to such weather. Nashville saw extensive snowfall, challenging newcomers like mail carrier Joe Feliciano, who braved snowy streets with cautious determination.
With the storm expected to continue its eastward march, parts of North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia prepared for heavy snow and freezing conditions through Saturday. Emergency crews remained vigilant, towing stalled vehicles and maintaining road safety.
This rare Southern snowstorm reminds residents of the unpredictable power of nature, bringing both joy and challenges to the region.
