Severe Winter Storm Disrupts Travel Across Southern United States
A major winter storm has caused significant travel disruptions across the southern U.S., resulting in numerous flight cancellations and hazardous road conditions. The storm has prompted urgent preparations as communities cope with heavy snowfall and icy weather affecting over a dozen states. Looking ahead, the storm’s trajectory will move towards the Northeast, where it is expected to bring less severe weather.
A significant winter storm has severely impacted travel throughout the southern United States, with many highways congested by snow and several thousand flights delayed or canceled. The storm, which has been described as one of the most intense in recent years, has caused widespread disruption, particularly in states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. As more than a dozen states experienced the adverse effects of snow, sleet, and freezing rain, local residents rushed to grocery stores to prepare for the inclement weather, depleting shelves of essential items.
The storm’s journey commenced on Thursday, leading to hazardous conditions on roadways and major air travel disruptions. At Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport alone, over 1,500 flights were canceled on Thursday, followed by an additional 450 cancellations on Friday. In Dallas itself, snowfall reached 2.2 inches, establishing a new record for snowfall in the city since February 2021. Oklahoma City also saw significant snowfall, recording 3.5 inches and breaking the previous record for that date.
Over six inches of snow blanketed regions from eastern Texas to western Tennessee, including notable accumulations in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Memphis, Tennessee. The heaviest recorded amount of 14.3 inches was reported in Mena, Arkansas. According to storm chaser Mike Scantlin, conditions were deteriorating rapidly, warning travelers of the risky situation on the roads.
By Friday morning, snow removal efforts intensified across Tennessee, northern Alabama, northern Georgia, and areas of the Carolinas. Multiple airline cancellations and delays were further compounded by a Delta Air Lines incident in Atlanta where a jet aborted takeoff due to an engine issue, resulting in injuries to four individuals. If Atlanta witnesses more than 3.7 inches of snow on this occasion, it will have recorded its snowiest day since March 2009.
Looking ahead, forecasts indicate that the storm will extend its reach into the Northeastern United States, although it is expected to be less severe with only minor snow accumulations anticipated. Meteorologists predict accumulations of one to three inches, with localized areas experiencing minimal snowfall along the upper mid-Atlantic coast.
This article provides an overview of a significant winter storm that struck the southern United States, resulting in extensive travel disruptions. This storm has been noted for its severity, with widespread snow, sleet, and freezing rain affecting multiple states and leading to the cancellation of thousands of flights. The article highlights the immediate responses of communities in preparation for the weather and outlines the storm’s impact on transportation and daily life in the affected regions. Meteorological forecasts also suggest the storm’s progression into the northeastern states, indicating a contrast in expected severity in those areas.
In conclusion, the biggest snowstorm in years has wreaked havoc across the southern United States, causing major travel disruptions by clogging highways and leading to the cancellation of thousands of flights. The storm, which brought significant snowfall and hazardous icy conditions, prompted local residents to prepare by purchasing essential supplies. Looking forward, the storm is expected to move toward the Northeastern U.S., although with lesser intensity than observed in the south.
Original Source: www.accuweather.com
