Georgia, North Carolina, and Alabama Face Rare Southern Snow Event as Light Accumulations and Travel Impacts Develop Sunday
UNITED STATES — A rare Southern winter weather setup is unfolding across parts of Georgia, North Carolina, and southeastern Alabama, where light snow is expected Sunday morning as rain briefly changes over before exiting the region later in the day. While this is not a major winter storm, National Weather Service offices say accumulating snow in parts of the Southeast is unusual enough to warrant close attention, particularly across central Georgia and interior North Carolina.
Forecast confidence has increased over the last 24 hours, with updated guidance showing a better-defined window for snow development and localized accumulations in areas under Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories.
Snow Timing and Weather Setup
Light precipitation will develop late Saturday night and early Sunday morning, initially falling as rain before colder air allows a rain-to-snow transition across parts of the Southeast.
Most areas will see snow between early morning and early afternoon Sunday, with precipitation ending from west to east later in the day. Clearing skies Sunday night could allow temperatures to drop quickly, raising the risk of patchy black ice, especially on bridges and untreated surfaces.
Georgia: Highest Confidence for Accumulating Snow
According to the National Weather Service in Atlanta, confidence is increasing that central Georgia will see measurable snowfall Sunday morning.
- Winter Storm Warnings (pink) are in effect for portions of central Georgia, including areas near Interstates 75 and 16
- Snow totals of 1 to 3 inches are possible in warning areas
- Winter Weather Advisories (purple) surround the warning zone, where up to 1 inch of snow is expected
Forecasters caution that roads may become slippery Sunday morning, and travel plans should be adjusted where possible, especially during the early hours.
North Carolina: Light Snow with Localized Higher Totals
Across central and interior North Carolina, a period of light rain is expected to change over to wet snow during the morning hours.
- Most locations will see a dusting to 0.5 inches
- Isolated spots could approach 1 inch, mainly on grassy and elevated surfaces
- Probabilities show a high chance of seeing at least a trace, but much lower odds of significant accumulation
Temperatures are expected to remain marginal, which should limit widespread road impacts. However, localized slick spots remain possible during heavier snow bursts.
Alabama and Florida Panhandle: Minimal Impacts Expected
In southeastern Alabama, light rain may briefly mix with or change to snow early Sunday morning. Forecast data indicates:
- Air temperatures in the low to mid-30s
- Ground temperatures remain warm
- Roads expected to stay wet, not icy
- Any accumulation should be minor and confined mainly to grassy surfaces
Farther south into Jackson County, Florida, a Winter Weather Advisory highlights the potential for up to 1 inch of snow, again mainly on non-paved surfaces with little to no travel impact.
Why This Event Is Unusual
Snow events across the Deep South are uncommon, especially in Georgia and Alabama, making even light accumulations notable. This system features just enough cold air aloft and dynamic lift to briefly overcome surface warmth in select areas.
Meteorologists stress that this is a low-impact but high-interest winter setup — more notable for its rarity than its severity.
What to Watch Going Forward
- Sunday morning travel in central Georgia
- Elevated and untreated roads during snow bursts
- Refreezing Sunday night where moisture remains on surfaces
Conditions are expected to improve rapidly Sunday afternoon as skies clear and precipitation ends.
Bottom Line
This is not a widespread winter storm, but parts of Georgia, North Carolina, and southeastern Alabama will see a brief, unusual snow event Sunday morning. While most areas experience minor or no impacts, localized accumulations could create slick conditions for a short time, particularly in central Georgia.
Stay aware of local advisories and allow extra travel time where snow develops.