Winter Storm Cora Brings Heavy Snow and Ice Across the South

News Summary

Winter Storm Cora has arrived, affecting 19 southern and midwestern states with heavy snowfall, ice, and sleet. Expected accumulations include up to 10 inches in Texas, significant icing in North Carolina, and over 6,600 flight cancellations. Residents are advised to prepare for dangerous road conditions and power outages as Cora sweeps through the region.

Winter Storm Cora is Here, Bringing Snow and Ice Across Southern and Midwestern States!

As folks in Dallas and beyond brace for what Winter Storm Cora has in store, it’s time to prepare for some serious winter weather! This formidable storm is set to paint a wintry picture with snow, ice, and sleet stretching from Oklahoma all the way to North Carolina. Can you believe that parts of 19 southern and midwestern states are currently under winter storm warnings and watches? That’s a lot of folks getting ready to bundle up!

What’s Happening with the Snow?

So, what’s the scoop? Cora is expected to drop an impressive 8 inches of snow in some areas, particularly in northeastern and north-central Texas. That means some neighborhoods could be seeing totals of up to 10 inches! Little Rock, Arkansas, is one city that might just be blanketed with nearly 9 inches of snow. Meanwhile, east Tennessee, including hot spots like Nashville, should prepare for 3 to 6 inches starting on Friday morning.

But hold onto your hats because the snow doesn’t stop there! Places like east Arkansas, north Mississippi, southeast Missouri, and west Tennessee are expecting heavy accumulations too, with around 4 to 6 inches predicted. Even Oklahoma is not off the hook, as light snow and ice accumulation are likely to occur as the storm sweeps through.

Big Cities Getting Hit

Cities like Dallas/Fort Worth, Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville, and Little Rock are all under the winter weather spotlight. North Texas could be in for some record-breaking snowfall, with even a modest 6 inches ranking among the top five heaviest snow days in Dallas history. For those not keeping track, Dallas usually sees only about a measly 1.6 inches of snow a year. Yep, you guessed it—Cora is about to pull a real game changer!

Dangerous Conditions Ahead

As if the snow isn’t enough, sleet and freezing rain are expected to make their rounds in the southeast. This mixed bag of weather is likely to complicate travel plans. Roads in most areas will probably become downright treacherous due to the snow and ice, so if you were thinking about going for a drive, you might want to rethink that plan.

Power Outages Weigh Heavy

Don’t forget that major winter storms can lead to power outages, something Texas knows all too well. The infamous February 2021 storm resulted in a staggering over 240 fatalities! That brings us to the fact that active winter storm warnings are in effect for a whole bunch of states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. Talk about a widespread impact!

Watch Out for Icing

As for the areas extending towards North Carolina, the mixed precipitation could cause significant icing, potentially leading to power outages and tree damage. The forecast shows that northern Georgia and South Carolina will also feel the winter chill with the snow hitting hard, especially north of Columbia, where they might see 1 to 5 inches.

Flight Disruptions Across the Board

And let’s not forget about our friends flying under these stormy skies. To top it all off, over 6,689 flights have been canceled this week due to the onslaught of winter weather. Major disruptions have been reported, particularly in D.C. and other affected airports, so if you’re traveling soon, stay informed!

So, folks, as Winter Storm Cora bears down upon us, let’s all stay safe and cozy in the warmth of our homes. Make sure to stock up on snacks and hot cocoa because it looks like we’ll be hunkering down for the foreseeable future!