Snowfall is expected in several states in the Southern United States later this week, including Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, according to forecasters.
Why It Matters
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Winter has arrived in the region for the first time this season, bringing with it frigid temperatures. As of early Tuesday, several states, including some in the South, were already under winter weather advisories.
Snow can create dangerous driving conditions and lead to travel disruptions.
A winter storm has already resulted in at least four deaths due to hazardous road conditions, according to reports. The forecasts predict further adverse weather conditions.
What To Know
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Prediction Center’s forecast maps, as of 6 p.m. Wednesday, there was a likelihood of accumulating over an inch of snowfall in various areas. These areas include most of New Mexico, along with parts of Texas, Colorado, and Arizona.
There was a greater than 50 percent probability of experiencing high levels of accumulation in central New Mexico and central Arizona.
According to the map, the chances of something happening were lower in southwestern Colorado and northwest/west Texas. These parts of Texas had a 20 to 30 percent chance, while the listed Colorado regions had a 30-40 percent chance.
The forecast for 6 a.m. Friday indicated a significant increase in the likelihood of snow in the mentioned states. Moreover, the forecast area expanded to encompass a broader region in the South.
Snow is now expected in states such as Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Additionally, parts of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana may also experience snowfall.
Southeastern Oklahoma had a high probability, ranging from 90-95 percent, of experiencing at least an inch of snowfall. The surrounding regions of Texas and Arkansas also had a significant chance, ranging from 80 to 90 percent, of receiving snowfall.
In central New Mexico and parts of southern Colorado, there is a high probability, ranging from 70 to 80 percent.
There was a 20-40 percent chance of rain in parts of west Tennessee.
The chances of something happening in Missouri varied across different regions. In the central regions, the chances were 5 percent or less, while in the southwest, there was a higher chance of 60-70 percent.
What People Are Saying
According to AccuWeather meteorologist Tom Kines, the upcoming storm is expected to impact Texas starting Wednesday night into Thursday. The weather conditions will include sleet, freezing rain, and snow. Cities like Dallas, Texas, Austin, Texas, and possibly even San Antonio, Texas, may experience wintry weather.
Internet Meteorologist Ryan Hall said on X, formerly Twitter: “Confidence is growing for a rare winter storm to impact Texas and parts of the South later this week. Cold air + Gulf moisture could bring significant snow to North Texas and ice further south. Still some uncertainty on exact timing and amounts, but big time travel impacts looking likely Thu-Fri.”
What Happens Next
AccuWeather meteorologist Bernie Rayno explained in an advisory shared with Newsweek that the late-week storm could unfold in one of two ways.
In one possible scenario, the storm could potentially move further south, leading to a decrease in snow and ice. On the other hand, if the storm tracks up the coast and gains strength, it has the potential to evolve into a significant snowstorm, impacting regions from the Carolinas all the way through the mid-Atlantic and potentially extending to eastern New England.