Storm System Merges Arctic Air With Gulf Moisture The storm forms as a deep Arctic air mass dives south from Canada and collides with a moist atmospheric river from the Gulf, creating a powerful winter system that will sweep from Texas across the Deep South into the Mid‑Atlantic [2][4][5]. Forecasters describe a track extending over 1,500 miles, with the heaviest precipitation expected Friday through Sunday as the low‑pressure system intensifies [2][5]. The combination of frigid air and abundant moisture fuels rapid ice buildup and heavy snow, prompting widespread watches and warnings across the region [1][4].

Widespread Ice and Snow Threaten Southern States Ice accumulations of 1‑2 inches are possible, with some models showing up to a quarter‑inch of glaze across a large swath, while snow totals range from 4 inches in most areas to 10 inches in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles [1][3][5]. The storm will deliver sleet, freezing rain, and heavy snow, endangering travel on major corridors such as I‑20 and I‑40 and risking extensive power outages as trees and lines become weighted with ice [2][4][5]. Multiple outlets note that the exact distribution of ice and snow remains uncertain, but the overall threat of catastrophic icing and snow is consistent across reports [3][4].

Extreme Cold Extends Impacts and Risks Infrastructure Following the precipitation, Arctic air will keep temperatures well below freezing for several days, with wind chills in single digits to teens and sub‑20 °F conditions affecting over 200 million people [5][2]. The prolonged cold raises the danger of burst pipes, livestock loss, and damage to unprotected infrastructure, especially in North and Central Texas where wind chills could be especially severe [1][3]. Record‑low daily temperatures are expected in many Mid‑South and Plains locations, potentially setting new cold‑temperature records for January [2][3].

Authorities Issue Watches, Activate Resources, and Urge Preparation Texas has issued statewide winter storm watches covering North, Central, West, and East regions, and the NWS labeled this the season’s first substantial winter event [1]. Governors in Texas and Georgia have mobilized emergency crews, pre‑treated roads, and urged residents to stock supplies, charge devices, and protect pipes [2][4]. Travel advisories highlight the vulnerability of the I‑20 and I‑40 corridors, and officials stress continuous monitoring of forecasts as model confidence in snow and ice amounts grows [5][1].