More arctic air expected in parts of the South still covered in ice and riddled with power outages
– More Arctic Air Expected In Parts of Southeast Covered in Snow and Ice
– A new influence of arctic air is expected to spur freezing temperatures in parts of the South already covered in snow and ice.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a High Wind Watch for parts of the southeastern United States, including parts of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana, as well as parts of Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. The watch is in effect through Friday afternoon, January 13.
“We have had several days with low-to-mid teens in some locations and this is causing temperatures to freeze earlier in many places,” NWS Meteorologist Jason Burroughs said. “The cold air will be moving into the region from the northwest and it’s going to cause a significant amount of snow to fall.”
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a low-pressure system has formed over the Atlantic Ocean, bringing with it freezing rain. That weather is moving southeast toward South Florida before turning northward across Georgia and Alabama. The cold air will also be affecting parts of the Carolinas and Virginia.
“The cold air will be moving into the region from the northwest and it’s going to cause a significant amount of snow to fall,” Burroughs said. “We are expecting up to 10 inches in some areas.”
Snowfall totals will likely be greatest on higher elevations, with up to 6-8 inches possible in some areas. The heaviest snowfall is expected Friday through Sunday morning, but there’s still a chance for flurries overnight.
The cold air also has the potential to cause power outages, especially in areas that are already covered in snow and ice, said Burroughs. This means “freezing rain, which will create slippery roads, can cause some issues.”
Based on the information provided, what is the National Weather Service warning for parts of the southeastern United States?