US: Winter storm forecast to impact southern and eastern regions through at least Jan. 11 /update 1

Adverse winter weather is forecast over parts of the southern and eastern US through at least Jan. 11. A significant winter storm system emanating out of northern Mexico is forecast to move over parts of the southern plains and eastward into the lower Mississippi Valley Jan. 9 and then onto to the southern Mid-Atlantic Jan. 10. The system is expected to produce a swath of heavy snowfall along with ice and freezing rain across the affected area, with snowfall totals of 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) possible from southeastern Oklahoma eastward to western North Carolina. Hazardous travel conditions are likely across the affected area due to slippery roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.

As of early Jan. 9, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for parts of south-central New Mexico, northeastern Texas, southeastern Oklahoma, much of Arkansas, northeastern Lousiana, southern Missouri, northern Mississippi, northern Alabama, central and western Tennessee, central and western Kentucky, southern Illinois, southern Ohio, and west-central West Virginia. Winter storm watches are in place for parts of northern Georgia, eastern Tennessee, southeastern Kentucky, southeastern and southwestern Virginia, northeastern and western North Carolina, and northwestern South Carolina. Winter weather advisories have been issued across much of the rest of the affected area and cold weather advisories are in place across parts of the region. Officials could update and extend the coverage of the weather alerts over the coming days.

Snow accumulations are likely across the affected region, especially at higher elevations. Lesser accumulations are possible where sleet and freezing rain mix with the snow, and precipitation is less intense. In addition to the heavy snow, strong wind gusts will likely lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow in some areas. Sporadic power outages could occur throughout the affected region.

The winter weather will likely disrupt ground and air transport across the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are probable along regional highways. Dangerous and challenging driving conditions are likely on secondary and rural roads in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities will probably close stretches of highways if driving conditions become too hazardous. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at regional airports.