Share

Map Shows States Hit With ‘Very Dangerous’ Winter Ice Warning


A “very dangerous ice situation” is unfolding in the southeastern U.S. heading into the weekend, according to a Georgia-based meteorologist.

Why It Matters

Winter storms pose major risks to health and safety, sometimes putting stricken residents in danger due to extreme cold and often paralyzing travel. Heavy ice in particular can make roads very unsafe.

Millions of people in large parts of the country are currently facing winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

A black car is pictured driving on an icy road during winter in this undated file photo. Several states were expected to face “very dangerous” ice conditions on Friday night and into the weekend.

Wirestock

What To Know

“The snow and ice storm continues this afternoon across the Carolinas, Virginia, and the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys,” the NWS Weather Prediction Center wrote on Friday in a post to X, formerly Twitter. “Expect up to 4/10 of an inch of ice in portions of the Carolinas/GA and 3-5 inches of snow for the southern Appalachians & southern VA.”

The post included an image of an ice forecast, effective through Saturday evening, for the following six states: Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and Virginia. The worst ice was expected in parts of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

“Dangerous travel conditions, scattered power outages, and downed branches are expected due to the heavy snow and ice,” NWS said. “Cold temperatures behind the storm could prove dangerous for those impacted by power
outages. Be prepared and plan ahead!”

Brad Nitz, the chief meteorologist for Atlanta ABC affiliate WSB, said in a post to X late on Friday afternoon that “a very dangerous ice situation is developing now and conditions will get worse into the night.”

The following map created by Newsweek using Flourish shows the states affected by the ice storm:

The governors of all six states affected by the ice forecast have declared states of emergency due to the expected winter weather. In addition to ice, heavy snow is expected to fall in many areas.

Newsweek reached for comment to NWS via email on Friday evening.

What People Are Saying

Nitz, in comments published online Friday by WSB: “We’re now starting to transition to more of an ice threat… Everything that is slushy and wet out there now is going to freeze.”

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp in a statement while declaring a state of emergency on Thursday: “Hazardous conditions, including ice and snow, can develop quickly and make travel very dangerous. Plan ahead and stay tuned to updates from state and local officials to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe while our first responders continue to work tirelessly throughout this weather event.”

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein during a press briefing on Friday: “At this time, our greatest concern is road safety… Precipitation and freezing temperatures tonight will make a mess of the roads on Saturday morning.”

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster in a statement: “Forecasts predict significant snow, sleet, and ice, with conditions intensifying earlier than anticipated, creating dangerous road conditions today and into tomorrow. I urge all South Carolinians to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, take appropriate safety measures, and stay informed by following local weather updates.”

What Happens Next

NWS expects the ice danger to fade by Saturday night, although potentially dangerous weather conditions may remain in many areas. Local forecasts should always be consulted for the most up-to-date and accurate information about winter weather.



Source link