⚠️ HIGH IMPACT WINTER STORM ⚠️
Dallas-Fort Worth: Winter Storm Warning | 0.25-0.50″ ice forecast
Atlanta: Major ice storm risk north of I-20 | Power outage threat elevated
A high-impact winter storm will deliver damaging ice accumulations of 0.25–0.50 inches, sleet, snow, and prolonged sub-freezing temperatures across the southern United States, placing Dallas–Fort Worth and Atlanta in the core zone for significant infrastructure and travel impacts. These regions encounter such events infrequently, where radial ice on trees and power lines, coupled with 20–30 mph gusts and temperatures in the teens, poses elevated risks for outages and road hazards. For national audiences, this storm highlights the South’s structural vulnerabilities to freezing rain despite its milder climatology.
Synoptic Setup: Classic Southern Ice Storm Pattern
A 1050+ mb Arctic ridge funnels shallow cold air into Texas and Southeast, overridden by southwest Gulf moisture aloft—a textbook setup for damaging ice events. Cold air damming east of Appalachians sustains sub-freezing surfaces in north Georgia for 48+ hours, enhancing Atlanta-area ice buildup.
Dallas–Fort Worth: 0.25-0.50″ Ice + 48-72 Hour Freeze
NWS Fort Worth Winter Storm Warnings cover North/Central Texas: freezing rain Friday evening → 0.25-0.50″ ice across DFW metro → sleet/snow Saturday. Highs ~28°F, lows teens persist 48-72 hours, stressing Southern trees unadapted to sustained ice loads.
| Event/Year | Precip Type | DFW Metro Totals | Cold Duration | Key Impacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2010 | Snow | 12.5″ DFW Airport | Multi-day | Tree damage, outages |
| Feb 2011 Super Bowl | Snow/ice | ~6″ metro | Days ≤32°F | Travel chaos |
| 2026 Forecast | Freezing rain/sleet | 0.25-0.50″ ice | 48-72 hrs ≤32°F | Limb/power line risk |
Ice duration exceeds many past events for cumulative loading potential.
Atlanta: Major Ice Risk North of I-20
NWS Atlanta rates north/central Georgia at major risk for significant ice Saturday–Sunday: 0.25-0.50″ as warm rain accretes onto sub-freezing surfaces. Dense urban tree cover amplifies line damage in this infrequent scenario.
| Event/Year | Precip Type | Metro Amounts | Primary Impacts | Outages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2014 Snowmageddon | Snow | 1–3″ | Gridlock, crashes | Minimal |
| Feb 2014 ice | Freezing rain | 0.25–0.50″+ | Tree/line damage | 350k+ |
| 2026 Forecast | Freezing rain | 0.25-0.50″ north I-20 | Infra strain | Elevated |
20-30 mph gusts significantly elevate tree failure risk.
Power Outage Hotspots: Dallas-to-Atlanta Corridor
Peak outage potential along Dallas–Little Rock–Memphis–Atlanta axis where ice loading + wind = tree limbs on lines. NWS cites this as primary outage driver with teens lows extending exposure.
- Peak risk metros: DFW, Little Rock, Memphis, Atlanta
- Cold amplifier: Overnight teens extend outage impacts
- Post-2021 upgrades tested but ice remains vulnerability
Preparation: 72+ Hour Ice Storm Strategy
✅ Essential PREP Checklist
- 72+ hrs water (1 gal/person/day), non-perishables
- Test generators; charge power banks fully
- No travel Sat-Sun peak ice accumulation
- CO detectors working; interior warming space ready
- Check vulnerable neighbors/pets pre-storm
- Know local shelter locations before roads close
Why This Matters Nationally
This Southern ice event tests regional resilience against recurrent—if infrequent—winter extremes, with Dallas and Atlanta’s infrastructure facing stresses more typical of northern climates.
🔗 Related Coverage
- Texas Power Grid Winter Vulnerabilities
- Atlanta Snowmageddon 2014
- Ultimate Ice Storm Preparedness Guide
📡 Live Updates
Latest NWS discussions, radar, and outage maps will appear here. Check back frequently.
Last updated: Jan 22, 2026 23:58 CST