Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland Face Major January Winter Storm With Heavy Snow, Dangerous Ice and Widespread Travel Disruptions

UNITED STATES — A large, long-lasting, and highly disruptive winter storm is forecast to impact a broad swath of the central, southern, and eastern United States beginning Friday and continuing through early next week, according to the latest guidance and key messages tied to this storm system. The event has the potential to become one of the most significant January winter storms in many years, bringing heavy snow, treacherous ice, and prolonged cold across multiple states.

The storm is expected to stretch from the Southern Plains and Mid-South into the Ohio Valley, Appalachians, Mid-Atlantic, and eventually the Northeast, affecting millions of people and creating major travel and infrastructure challenges.

Winter Storm Watch Expanded Across Central and Eastern States

Winter Storm Watches now cover large portions of:

Oklahoma
Arkansas
Missouri
Kentucky
Tennessee
West Virginia
Virginia
North Carolina
Maryland

These watches signal a high likelihood of impactful winter weather, even though exact snowfall and ice totals are still being refined.

Heavy Snow Threat: Widespread and Potentially Significant

Forecast probability maps show a high chance of at least 3 inches of snowfall across a wide corridor extending from the Southern Plains through the Mid-South and into the Mid-Atlantic.

Key concerns include:

A broad swath of moderate to heavy snow affecting Oklahoma, northern Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee
Snow spreading east into West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and parts of North Carolina
Localized totals exceeding 8–12 inches possible where snow bands persist
Reduced visibility and snow-covered roads, leading to widespread travel disruptions

Snow may linger in some areas into Monday, especially as colder air settles in behind the storm.

Dangerous Ice Zone South of the Snow Line

One of the most serious threats with this storm is freezing rain and sleet, particularly south of the main snow band.

Ice risk is highest across:

Southern Arkansas
Western and central Tennessee
Parts of Kentucky
Western and central North Carolina
Portions of Virginia

Probability maps indicate a strong chance of at least 0.05 inches of freezing rain, with some locations potentially seeing higher amounts.

Impacts may include:

Extremely slick roads and bridges
Tree damage from ice accumulation
Prolonged power outages
Dangerous conditions for emergency response

Lengthy and Disruptive Storm Timeline

This is not a fast-moving system. The storm is expected to:

Begin Friday in the Southern Plains
Intensify and expand eastward through the weekend
Linger into early next week in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast
Be followed by significant cold, which may prolong snow and ice impacts

The extended duration raises concerns for compounding impacts, including repeated rounds of hazardous travel and slow recovery.

Forecast Uncertainty Still Exists — But Confidence Is High in Impacts

While meteorologists note ongoing model differences regarding exact storm track and precipitation totals, confidence is very high that a major winter storm will occur.

More precise snowfall and ice accumulation forecasts are expected as the system approaches and additional data becomes available.

What Residents Should Do Now

If you are under a Winter Storm Watch, this is the time to prepare:

Avoid unnecessary travel during the storm
Prepare for possible power outages
Stock up on essentials, medications, and heating supplies
Have a winter safety plan for pets and vulnerable family members

This developing winter storm has the potential to disrupt travel, utilities, and daily life across a massive portion of the country. Additional updates will be critical as the storm evolves.

Stay alert, stay prepared, and continue following updates as conditions become clearer.

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