Severe Winter Weather Warning: Texas to North Carolina Braces for Snow and Ice Chaos

DALLAS – Another significant winter storm is set to strike the U.S. this week, occurring shortly after the conclusion of the first major winter storm of 2025.

The FOX Forecast Center indicated that the forthcoming storm is expected to influence cities further south than the most recent one, alerting millions in cities such as Dallas, Little Rock in Arkansas, Memphis and Nashville in Tennessee, and Atlanta regarding winter weather.

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The initial Winter Storm Warnings have been issued in the southern Plains and lower Mississippi Valley, affecting the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and Little Rock, Arkansas. Concurrently, Winter Storm Watches stretch eastward across the South to western North Carolina and North Georgia, comprising the Atlanta metro area.

Light snow commenced on Wednesday across areas of New Mexico and western Texas. Initially, it will stay light; however, snow and ice rain will grow and extend across West and North Texas into the Ark-La-Tex region on Thursday. Travel disruptions are likely, including on Interstates 35, 20, and 40.

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Dallas, which typically receives about 1.6 inches of snow per year, is expected to receive more than a year’s worth of snow from this system and may face its largest snowstorm since 2010, according to the FOX Forecast Center. Snow accumulations could reach 1-3 inches with isolated amounts reaching 4 inches across the Metroplex, particularly on the northern side. 

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott has already initiated state emergency response resources in anticipation of the looming storm. “The State of Texas is working tirelessly to ensure Texans have the resources and assistance necessary as severe winter weather affects communities across Texas,” Abbot declared in a statement. 

More than 700 crews from the Texas Department of Transportation have been preparing for winter weather by pre-treating roads, bridges, and overpasses with over 500,000 gallons of brine and approximately 800 cubic yards of granular materials as temperatures declined.

“We actually have eight snowplows ready on standby,” stated Tina Richardson, assistant director for Dallas Public Works.  “And we can produce 20,000 gallons of brine daily.”

Travel in southern cities along Interstate 35, such as Austin and San Antonio, may experience freezing rain, making driving perilous.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) mentioned last weekend that it issued a Weather Watch due to expected low temperatures, increased electrical demand, and the possibility of reduced reserves. Officials indicated that grid conditions are anticipated to be normal during an ERCOT Weather Watch, but they will monitor conditions closely and will utilize all available tools to manage the grid.

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Officials prepare for wintry weather as fans head to Cotton Bowl

Football supporters making their way to North Texas for the Cotton Bowl Classic between the University of Texas and Ohio State University on Friday may face more than just Southern hospitality in Arlington.

Cotton Bowl officials informed FOX Weather that they are regularly monitoring weather updates and are in close contact with stadium and local authorities. 

“We always have contingency plans for inclement weather,” remarked Scottie Rodgers, vice president of communications for the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. “Should conditions require it, we will inform everyone attending and associated with this year’s Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.”

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Officials across Texas expressed a similar level of assurance regarding their preparations for adverse weather.

“We are closely observing travel conditions into the city, particularly as we prepare to welcome fans and teams for the Cotton Bowl,” stated Kevin Oden, Director of Emergency Management & Crisis Response. “Our focus is on ensuring safe travel for the teams and their supporters visiting Dallas in the Metroplex, enabling them to enjoy their time here safely.”

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Snow and ice threat advancing to Atlanta and Southeast on Friday

On Friday, the mix of snow and ice will extend into the Southeast, with cities such as Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville in Tennessee anticipating plowable snow, while cities like Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta will possibly experience both snow and a significant ice storm. Nashville could receive 3-5 inches of snow. 

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Atlanta is under a Winter Storm Watch for the possibility of accumulating 1-4 inches of snow and/or sleet from Friday into early Saturday, with an added risk of a glaze of freezing rain up to a tenth of an inch buildup. 

Higher snowfall totals are feasible in northern Georgia for up to 3-6 inches or more.

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Uncertain forecast for the weekend

The forecast appears to be increasingly uncertain as we approach the weekend.

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The FOX Forecast Center indicated that the system may remain weak and shift to the east into the Atlantic Ocean, while another possibility suggests the storm could intensify as it arrives at the East Coast.

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If that happens, the storm could move northward and potentially inflict considerable snow and wind on the Northeast.

Make sure to download the free FOX Weather app and activate notifications to be informed of any modifications in the forecast.