Winter Storm Cora Hits Southeast with Snow, Ice, and Travel Chaos

Winter Storm Cora swept into the Southeast on Friday, January 10, 2025, bringing heavy snow and ice across a wide swath of the region, including major cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, Columbia, and Nashville. The storm has created hazardous travel conditions, with officials warning that some areas may become impassable due to the accumulation of snow and ice.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued winter storm warnings and advisories for states from Arkansas and Tennessee to the Carolinas and Virginia. Meteorologists predict that the storm could drop up to 8 inches of snow in some areas, with ice accumulations of up to half an inch in others. “This is a significant winter storm that will impact millions of people,” said CNN Meteorologist Chad Myers. “Travel will be dangerous, if not impossible, in many areas.”

Power outages and tree damage are expected as the weight of ice and snow strains infrastructure. Utility companies have mobilized crews to respond to potential outages, but officials urge residents to prepare for extended periods without electricity. “We are closely monitoring the situation and have additional crews on standby,” said a spokesperson for Duke Energy, which serves parts of the Carolinas.

Air travel has also been disrupted, with hundreds of flights canceled or delayed at major airports, including Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Airlines are advising passengers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport. “We are doing everything we can to minimize disruptions, but safety is our top priority,” said a representative for Delta Air Lines.

Local governments have urged residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Emergency services are on high alert, with snowplows and salt trucks deployed to keep major highways passable. “We are prepared, but we need the public to exercise caution,” said a spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Winter Storm Cora is the latest in a series of severe weather events to hit the U.S. this winter. Climate scientists note that such storms are becoming more frequent and intense due to changing weather patterns. “While it’s difficult to attribute any single storm to climate change, we are seeing a trend of more extreme winter weather events,” said Dr. Michael Mann, a climatologist at Penn State University.

Residents in affected areas are advised to stock up on essentials, including food, water, and medications, and to have emergency kits ready. Schools and businesses across the region have announced closures for Friday and into the weekend as the storm continues to unfold.