Southeast Braces for Winter Storm with Potential Blizzard Conditions
Following a major winter storm that disrupted much of the U.S., a new Arctic cold front is set to impact the Southeast. The National Weather Service has alerted residents about a significant winter storm expected to develop in the coming days.
Southeast Braces for Winter Storm
A low-pressure system originating from the Southern Plains is projected to move eastward. This system is anticipated to bring severe winter weather to parts of the mid-Atlantic, as well as the Carolinas and Virginia.
Forecast and Impacts
The Charleston area in South Carolina is likely to experience wind chills reaching single digits by Sunday morning. Snowfall is predicted from Saturday through Sunday morning in several areas, including:
- Charleston, SC: 1 to 4 inches of snow
- Statesboro, GA: 1 to 4 inches of snow
- Savannah, GA: 1 to 4 inches of snow
In central North Carolina, places such as Raleigh, Fayetteville, and Winston-Salem could see between 5 to 8 inches of snow from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. However, the weather service warns that the exact location of the heaviest snowfall remains uncertain.
Emergency Declarations
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has issued an emergency declaration in preparedness for the storm. He noted that unlike the previous event, this storm is expected to bring snow instead of ice, which may mitigate some hazards, though it will still have substantial effects on daily life. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has also extended his emergency declaration through the weekend.
Coastal Conditions and Blizzard Warnings
Along the Virginia coast, blizzard conditions are a possibility from Saturday night into Sunday. The weather service forecasts:
- Near-zero visibility
- Wind gusts reaching 50 mph
- Richmond: Approximately 3½ inches of snow
- Norfolk: Potential for over 9 inches of snow
Blizzard-like conditions could also affect parts of the North Carolina coast, primarily due to strong winds coming onshore during snowfall. This can create perilously low visibility, further complicating travel and outdoor activities.
Residents in the Southeast should stay informed through the National Weather Service and prepare for potential disruptions caused by the incoming winter storm.
