Winter Storm Dumps Up to 12 Inches of Snow Across 14 States, Near‑Whiteout Conditions Expected
Updated (2 articles)
Storm Affects 14 States From South to Great Lakes The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for at least 14 states spanning the South, Mid‑Atlantic, and Great Lakes regions. Snow will arrive in waves beginning Friday afternoon and persist through Sunday, creating a prolonged period of hazardous weather. Forecasters emphasize that the system combines heavy snowfall with strong winds, prompting widespread alerts. [1]
Coastal North Carolina and Virginia Forecast 7‑12 Inches Coastal North Carolina and southeast Virginia are projected to receive the highest snowfall totals, ranging from 7 to 12 inches. Wind gusts may reach 60 mph, producing near‑zero visibility and dangerous travel conditions. The combination of deep snow and high winds raises the risk of downed branches, power line damage, and isolated outages. [1]
Mountain and Piedmont Regions Anticipate 5‑10 Inches With Strong Winds In the Appalachian counties of Ashe, Watauga, and Avery, 5‑8 inches of snow are expected, with gusts up to 55 mph. The Piedmont, Sandhills, and Coastal Plain areas forecast 5‑10 inches, some locations up to 12 inches, and gusts also approaching 60 mph. Officials warn that these conditions could quickly render mountain roads impassable and cause power disruptions. [1]
Lake‑Effect Snow Bands May Reach a Foot in Midwest Lake‑effect snow bands over Lake and Porter counties are projected to drop more than 6 inches, with isolated spots potentially reaching a foot and snowfall rates of 2 inches per hour. Near‑whiteout conditions are expected north of U.S. Route 30, making travel extremely dangerous. Similar heavy bands could affect northern Illinois later Friday, compounding regional impacts. [1]
Timeline
Dec 5, 2025 – A Friday system drops about 4 inches of snow across the mid‑Atlantic, with the highest totals near Red Sulphur Spring, WV, and Merrimac, VA, setting the stage for a second storm a few days later [2].
Dec 8, 2025 – The National Weather Service in Charleston issues a winter storm warning for seven central, southeast and southern West Virginia counties, forecasting 6‑9 inches of snow by 9 p.m. EST and targeting communities such as Charleston, Beckley and Fayetteville [2].
Dec 8, 2025 – Officials label the event “the second winter storm in a week,” noting that the earlier Friday system already delivered 4 inches to the region and warning residents to expect lingering slippery roads [2].
Dec 8, 2025 – Safety advisories urge West Virginians to prepare for hazardous travel, slow down, and monitor conditions via 511 or state traffic portals, while the warning expires at 9 p.m. EST but dangerous road conditions persist into Tuesday morning [2].
Jan 30, 2026 – A massive winter storm sweeps across 14 states from the South to the Great Lakes, prompting the National Weather Service to issue winter storm warnings that cover coastal, mountain, Piedmont and lake‑effect regions [1].
Jan 30, 2026 – Coastal North Carolina and southeast Virginia brace for 7‑12 inches of snow combined with 60 mph wind gusts, creating near‑zero visibility and a high risk of downed branches and power outages [1].
Jan 30, 2026 – Forecasters warn that travel may become “very difficult to impossible” Friday night into the weekend as visibility could drop below a quarter mile and blizzard‑level winds sweep the area [1].
Jan 30, 2026 – Appalachian counties such as Ashe, Watauga and Avery expect 5‑8 inches of snow with gusts up to 55 mph, while the Piedmont, Sandhills and Coastal Plain see 5‑10 inches (some spots 8‑12 inches) and gusts up to 60 mph, threatening mountain road closures [1].
Jan 30, 2026 – The NWS cautions that heavy snow will make many roads impassable and may cause isolated power outages as snow weight burdens tree limbs and power lines [1].
Jan 30, 2026 – Lake‑effect snow bands over Lake and Porter counties project more than 6 inches, with isolated spots potentially reaching a foot and snowfall rates of 2 inches per hour, creating near‑whiteout conditions north of U.S. Route 30 and endangering travel [1].