A severe winter storm has brought chaos to the South, affecting air travel, road conditions, and daily life. With snow, sleet, and freezing rain, the storm has caught many off guard.
A rare winter storm made its way across the southern U.S. on Friday, January 10, 2025, hitting cities unaccustomed to such extreme weather. The storm’s icy grip led to widespread flight cancellations, road closures, and warnings from officials urging people to stay off the roads. From Oklahoma to Virginia, this potent mix of snow and sleet blanketed the region, leaving chaos in its wake.
In some areas, snowfalls have already exceeded a foot, making roads treacherous and contributing to the spike in traffic accidents. On Friday morning, cities like Jackson, Mississippi, Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta were hit hard by the icy conditions. This wasn’t just a light dusting—these cities are grappling with conditions many of their residents haven’t experienced in years.
Flight Delays and Cancellations Across Major Airports
The storm’s impact on air travel was immediate and severe. More than 2,000 flights were canceled across major hubs like Atlanta, Dallas, Nashville, and Charlotte. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, one of the busiest in the world, felt the brunt of the storm. By mid-morning on Friday, nearly 60% of flights had either been canceled or delayed.
But things took an even more dramatic turn when a ground stop was issued for all incoming Delta flights. This came after a Delta flight attempted to take off but had to abort the process. Passengers on the plane were evacuated onto a snow-covered runway, adding to the tension at the airport. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the incident and issued directives to ensure safety during the chaos.
With nearly 2,000 flights grounded in the South alone, travelers found themselves stranded or delayed for hours. The storm has highlighted just how unprepared the region’s airports are for winter weather, with heavy snowfall and freezing rain catching even seasoned travelers by surprise.
Icy Roads Lead to Hazardous Conditions
The winter weather has also caused significant disruptions on the roads. Throughout northern Mississippi and other parts of the South, authorities reported multiple accidents, some involving trucks, as icy conditions rendered highways nearly impassable. Roads in Atlanta and Birmingham were particularly treacherous, with ice forming quickly and making driving nearly impossible for many commuters.
For residents of these cities, the storm was a stark reminder of how vulnerable they are to the whims of extreme weather. In the affected areas, people were urged to stay home and avoid travel whenever possible. The Emergency Management Agency also warned of significant delays and safety risks on major routes, urging drivers to be cautious and to consider alternative routes.
A major concern also lies in the storm’s timing. It hit during the Friday morning rush, just as commuters were heading out for work. Many businesses were forced to close or delay operations, contributing to the disruption. Schools, too, had to shut their doors as the ice and snow made it too dangerous to hold classes.
- Areas Affected by the Winter Storm:
- Oklahoma to Virginia: Winter storm warning in effect.
- Jackson, Mississippi: Heavy snow and ice.
- Birmingham, Alabama: Sleet and snow causing accidents.
- Atlanta, Georgia: Significant flight delays, icy roads.
A Surge in Snowfall Expected to Reach the Northeast
As the storm progresses, it will continue its march toward the Northeast. By Friday night and into Saturday, areas in the Mid-Atlantic, Ohio Valley, and Northeast could see anywhere from one to five inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service. The biggest concerns will be in areas that typically don’t experience heavy snowfall, where people are less equipped to handle the accumulating snow and ice.
Temperatures are expected to plummet, and the risk of frostbite increases dramatically in parts of the Midwest and Northeast. By the time the storm passes through, millions of people will have felt the chilling effects of this rare winter weather. While many northern cities are used to these conditions, the storm’s reach into the South has raised alarm about how to prepare for such unpredictable weather events.
The storm has triggered widespread concern, as it could set the stage for further disruptions in the coming days. As people brace for additional snowfalls, they must prepare for icy roads, further flight cancellations, and the danger of frostbite in the upcoming cold snap.
