Winter Storm Cora Brings Snow, Ice Across Southern U.S.

Winter Storm Cora is set to bring a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain across a large swath of the southern United States, from Texas to Virginia, through Friday night. The storm, which began in western Texas on Thursday morning, is expected to cause dangerous travel conditions, delays, and potential power outages in major cities including Dallas-Fort Worth, Little Rock, Memphis, and Atlanta.

According to the Weather Channel, Cora is the result of a large upper wave moving across the southern U.S., which will develop into a surface low over Texas by early Friday. This system will bring heavy snowfall and icy conditions as it tracks eastward. Winter weather alerts, including winter storm watches and warnings, are in effect across the Southern Plains to the Southeast.

Jonathan Erdman, a senior meteorologist at weather.com, noted that the storm could produce up to 14 inches of snow in some areas, with significant ice accumulation in parts of Texas, Arkansas, and northern Mississippi. ‘This storm has the potential to create hazardous travel conditions and disrupt daily life across the region,’ Erdman said.

By Friday morning, heavy snow is expected in West and North Texas, southern Oklahoma, and Arkansas, while heavy rain and severe storms will spread along the Gulf Coast. A narrow corridor of sleet and freezing rain could lead to icy roads, particularly in central Texas and southern Arkansas.

As the storm progresses, snow accumulations are forecast to diminish toward the East Coast, with conditions improving by Saturday morning. However, chilly temperatures will persist across the Plains and eastern U.S. through the weekend.

Residents in affected areas are advised to stay alert for rapidly deteriorating driving conditions and potential road closures. The Weather Channel will continue to provide updates as the storm evolves.