A powerful winter storm is sweeping across large portions of the United States this weekend, triggering urgent winter storm warnings and advisories from the National Weather Service. Forecasters warn that some areas could see snowfall totals reaching 13 inches, along with strong winds, near-whiteout conditions, and dangerous travel over the next several days. Officials are urging residents to prepare now before road conditions worsen and essential services are impacted.
This is not a narrowly focused storm. It is a broad, complex system bringing multiple hazards at once. Heavy snow bands stretch from the South through the Mid-Atlantic and beyond, accompanied by powerful wind gusts, sharply reduced visibility, and bitterly cold temperatures. From Georgia and the Carolinas to Kentucky, Virginia, and farther north, millions of Americans are under heightened winter weather alerts.
North Carolina Faces Heavy Snow and Blizzard Conditions
North Carolina is expected to take some of the hardest hits. Winter storm warnings extend from the mountains to the Outer Banks, with eastern and coastal counties such as Pamlico, Craven, and Onslow forecast to receive between 8 and 13 inches of snow. The highest totals are expected along the central coast. Wind gusts reaching 65 to 70 mph could produce blizzard-like conditions, drastically reducing visibility and creating deep snow drifts.
Across the Piedmont and Sandhills, snow totals of 3 to 7 inches are expected, while higher elevations may see even more. Officials warn that roads could become impassable and are advising residents to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for possible isolation.
Kentucky Braces for Ongoing Snow and Slick Roads
Eastern Kentucky is also under winter storm warnings, particularly in counties such as Harlan, Letcher, and Pike. Snowfall amounts are expected to be lighter than in the Carolinas, but persistent snowfall and icy road conditions are likely through Saturday afternoon.
Nearby counties, including Bell County, remain under winter weather advisories, with continued snow accumulation expected, especially in elevations above 1,500 feet. Transportation crews are treating major roads, but hazardous ice and slush are still a concern.
Virginia Under Widespread Winter Storm Warnings
Large portions of Virginia are facing winter storm warnings through Sunday, covering southwest, south-central, and eastern regions of the state. Mountain and coastal counties alike could see heavy snowfall, while coastal areas such as Norfolk, Suffolk, and the Eastern Shore may experience wind gusts up to 60 mph.
Inland regions, including Roanoke and Lynchburg, are forecast to receive lighter snowfall, but conditions will still be sufficient to cause slick roads and travel disruptions. Emergency officials advise drivers to carry blankets, food, and water if travel cannot be avoided.
South Carolina Sees Significant Snowfall
South Carolina is directly in the storm’s path, with central counties like Lexington, Richland, and Sumter expected to receive 6 to 9 inches of snow. Coastal areas, including Charleston and Dorchester counties, could see 3 to 6 inches. Winds gusting up to 35 mph will worsen conditions by blowing snow across roads and reducing visibility.
Transportation officials report rapidly deteriorating driving conditions, especially during heavier snow bands. Residents are urged to remain off the roads until conditions improve.
Georgia Experiences Rare Snow Accumulation
In Georgia, winter storm warnings cover much of the state. Northeastern counties such as Fannin, Union, and Towns are expected to receive 4 to 6 inches of snow, along with unusually cold wind chills dipping below zero.
Central counties like Forsyth and Hall could see 3 to 5 inches, while southern areas are forecast to receive 1 to 3 inches. Even coastal regions under lighter advisories may experience hazardous travel, as many areas are unaccustomed to winter conditions.
Tennessee Snow Impacts Valleys and Mountains
East Tennessee remains under winter storm warnings into early Sunday. Valley areas near the Smoky Mountains could see up to 12 inches of snow, with lower elevations expecting between 2 and 10 inches. Falling temperatures will cause roads to ice over quickly.
Middle and southern Tennessee are under winter weather advisories, signaling lighter but still hazardous snowfall. Drivers should watch for icy bridges, snow-packed highways, and travel delays as crews work to clear roads.
West Virginia Continues to See Hazardous Conditions
In West Virginia, winter weather remains a concern. Counties such as McDowell are under storm warnings through Saturday night, with additional snowfall expected on top of existing accumulations. Nearby counties under advisories will continue to deal with icy and slick roads.
Officials warn that even light new snowfall can worsen already dangerous travel conditions due to persistent subfreezing temperatures.
Midwest and Northern States Also Affected
The storm’s influence extends into parts of the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains. Areas of South Dakota and North Dakota are under winter weather advisories for lighter snow, ice, and strong winds that may reduce visibility, especially in open areas.
Montana is experiencing freezing rain and gusty winds, while lake-effect snow continues along parts of Illinois and Indiana, adding localized accumulations where snow bands persist.
Officials Urge Preparation and Caution
This widespread winter storm is shaping up to be one of the most disruptive of the season. With snowfall totals reaching double digits in some regions and whiteout conditions possible in others, forecasters strongly advise staying off the roads, following official guidance, and preparing for prolonged winter impacts.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updates from the National Weather Service, keep emergency supplies ready, and avoid non-essential travel until conditions safely improve.
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