Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee Face Increasing Risk of Rare Southern U.S. Winter Storm With Snow and Ice Potential Late January

UNITED STATES — A rare Southern U.S. winter storm is becoming increasingly possible as forecast models continue to highlight a broad zone of potential snow and ice developing across the southern Plains and Southeast late next week. The window of concern currently spans Friday through Sunday, with parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee all appearing within the storm’s expanding threat envelope.

Meteorologists stress that while many details remain unresolved, the overall signal for a high-impact cold-weather event in typically milder southern states is growing stronger. Forecast confidence is not yet high enough for specific snowfall or ice totals, but the pattern is one that demands close monitoring as the region moves deeper into late January.

Why This Storm Is Gaining Attention Across the South

What makes this setup notable is its unusually southern placement. Long-range ensemble guidance, including European model probabilities, indicates a strong low-pressure system may track from the Southwest into Texas and the lower Mississippi Valley, before moving east across the Southeast.

At the same time, cold air anchored across the central and eastern United States could push far enough south to support frozen precipitation, something that is far less common in this region. This combination raises the risk for snow on the northern side of the system and ice accumulation closer to the Gulf Coast and Deep South.

Snow Potential From Texas Into the Tennessee Valley

Model probabilities suggest measurable snowfall is possible as far south as northern Texas and Oklahoma, with the signal extending eastward through Arkansas, Tennessee, and portions of the interior Southeast. While this does not guarantee heavy snow, it does indicate a meaningful departure from normal January weather patterns for these areas.

If current trends hold, snowfall would likely be highly dependent on elevation and exact storm track, with localized bands producing more impactful accumulations. Even modest snow totals in these states can lead to travel disruptions and school or business closures.

Ice Threat Emerges Across the Deep South and Southeast

South of the snow axis, the greater concern may be freezing rain and sleet, particularly across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Ice storms in these areas can be especially disruptive, often leading to power outages, hazardous roads, and infrastructure strain.

Forecasters caution that ice placement is the most volatile part of the forecast, as small temperature changes can drastically alter outcomes. This is why officials are urging residents to remain weather-aware rather than alarmed at this stage.

Why Forecast Uncertainty Remains High

Despite the growing signal, this system is still several days away, and key variables remain unresolved:

• The exact track of the surface low
• How deeply cold air penetrates into the South
• The timing of moisture return from the Gulf of Mexico

Because of these factors, where snow and ice ultimately set up is still very much in question. Forecast shifts north or south by even a small margin could dramatically change which states experience the greatest impacts.

What Residents Should Do Now

Meteorologists emphasize there is no need for panic or premature preparation, but now is the time to stay informed. Residents across the southern Plains and Southeast should:

• Monitor daily forecast updates
• Review winter travel safety plans
• Be aware of how ice impacts differ from snow in southern climates

Confidence and clarity will improve as the event draws closer and higher-resolution data becomes available.

As winter patterns continue to evolve across the country, staying ahead of potential hazards is critical. For continued weather updates, storm outlooks, and regional impact coverage, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.