Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia Brace for Weekend Snowstorm as Arctic Cold Tightens Its Grip Across the South
UNITED STATES — A strengthening winter storm combined with a renewed Arctic air surge is setting the stage for accumulating snow, dangerous travel conditions, and extreme cold temperatures across large portions of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, northeast Tennessee, southwest Virginia, and eastern Georgia from Friday night through Saturday night, according to the latest National Weather Service and model guidance.
While snowfall totals are still being refined, confidence is increasing that this will be a predominantly snow-driven system, not an ice event — a key distinction that still carries significant travel and safety risks across the region.
Snow Likely Across the Carolinas and Virginia With Heaviest Band Inland
Forecast snow probability maps show the highest confidence for impactful snowfall across central and eastern North Carolina, southern and central Virginia, and parts of upstate South Carolina.
Current guidance suggests:
- 8–12 inches possible from portions of central North Carolina into southern Virginia
- 5–8 inches likely across eastern North Carolina
- 3–5 inches possible from South Carolina’s Midlands into coastal sections
- 1–3 inches or less across much of Georgia, with higher travel impacts focused in the eastern half of the state
The developing snow band appears to favor areas just inland from the coast, though additional snowfall near the coast cannot be ruled out as the system evolves.
Georgia Faces Snow-Related Travel Issues, Especially East of Atlanta
In Georgia, snow is expected to return to the forecast this weekend, with eastern Georgia facing the highest probability of travel disruptions.
- Eastern counties show moderate to high odds of minor winter weather impacts
- Atlanta sits near the western edge of the snow shield, with about a 1-in-3 chance of impactful snowfall depending on the storm’s final track
- Forecast confidence supports an all-snow event, meaning no freezing rain or sleet is expected
Even light snowfall could create slick roadways, especially during overnight and early morning hours.
Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee See Growing Snow Potential
Snow probabilities are also increasing across southwest Virginia, northeast Tennessee, and far eastern Tennessee mountain regions, where accumulating snow is becoming more likely late Friday into Saturday.
- Snow is expected to develop Friday afternoon, intensifying Friday night
- Areas east of Interstate 75 have the highest likelihood of accumulation
- Mountain locations may experience periods of heavier snowfall
Travel conditions could deteriorate rapidly in these areas, especially at higher elevations.
Arctic Air Returns With Dangerous Cold and Near-Zero Wind Chills
Behind the storm, another surge of Arctic air will plunge temperatures across the Tennessee Valley, Southern Appalachians, and Southeast.
- Wind chills may drop near zero across many areas
- Higher elevations could experience wind chills 10 to 20 degrees below zero
- Portions of Florida could see rare hard freezes, especially Saturday and Sunday nights
This cold outbreak is shaping up to be one of the longest-duration extreme cold events in decades for parts of the eastern and southern United States.
What to Watch Going Forward
Key uncertainties remain:
- Exact placement of the heaviest snow band
- Final snowfall totals, especially near the coast
- Westward extent of impacts into Georgia and metro Atlanta
Forecast confidence will improve as the storm approaches, and additional updates are expected within the next 24 hours.
WaldronNews Weather Update
This winter storm has the potential to disrupt travel, strain infrastructure, and create dangerous cold exposure risks across multiple states. Residents are urged to stay weather-aware, prepare for rapidly changing conditions, and monitor local advisories.
Stay with WaldronNews for continued updates as this developing winter storm takes shape.