Charleston, South Carolina — Just days after a massive winter storm crippled travel and power systems across large portions of the United States, another powerful winter system is lining up to impact the Southeast, bringing fresh snow, dangerous wind chills, and the potential for blizzard-like conditions from the Carolinas into Virginia.
Meteorologists say a strengthening low-pressure system that took shape over the Southern Plains is now tracking east and is expected to evolve into a major winter storm as it reaches the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast late Friday into the weekend. The National Weather Service warns that while snow is likely across a wide area, exact snowfall totals remain highly uncertain, with sharp differences possible over short distances.
Arctic Air Sets the Stage for Dangerous Conditions
A renewed surge of Arctic air is pouring southward behind the system, setting up bitterly cold conditions across much of the region. In coastal South Carolina, including the Charleston area, wind chills could drop into the single digits by Sunday morning, according to local forecasters.
“There’s going to be places that get more snow than forecast, and places that get far less,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Nick Petro during a Thursday briefing, emphasizing how sensitive this storm will be to small track changes.
Unlike the previous storm, which brought widespread ice and freezing rain, forecasters say this event appears more likely to fall primarily as snow, reducing ice-related power outages but still posing serious travel hazards.
Snow Forecasts Vary Across the Southeast
Snow is expected to begin Friday afternoon in parts of the Southeast, expanding through Saturday and lingering into early Sunday.
Current projections show:
- 1 to 4 inches of snow possible from Charleston northward, including parts of coastal South Carolina and southeastern Georgia, such as Savannah and Statesboro
- 5 to 8 inches of snow across central North Carolina, including Raleigh, Fayetteville, and Winston-Salem
- 3 to 4 inches near Richmond, Virginia, with 9 inches or more possible in the Norfolk area, especially closer to the coast
Forecasters caution that localized higher totals are possible, particularly where snow bands persist for several hours.
Read Also: Philadelphia Faces Rare Deep Freeze as Forecasters Track Coastal Snow Threat
Blizzard Conditions Possible Along the Coast
While snowfall totals are grabbing attention, wind may be the most dangerous element of this storm, especially along coastal areas.
The National Weather Service warns that strong onshore winds, gusting up to 50 mph, could coincide with periods of heavy snow late Saturday into Sunday.
“Near-zero visibility is possible if heavy snow overlaps with the strongest winds,” forecasters said, particularly along portions of the Virginia and North Carolina coastline.
These conditions could meet the criteria for blizzard conditions, even in areas that do not receive the highest snowfall totals. Blowing and drifting snow may make travel dangerous or impossible, especially on exposed bridges and coastal highways.
Emergency Declarations Issued Ahead of Storm
State leaders are already taking action as the storm approaches.
Josh Stein issued a new state of emergency in North Carolina, adding to one still in place from the previous storm.
“It looks like it’s going to be snow, not ice, this time,” Stein said during a visit to a brine facility. “That’s a good thing, but it’s still going to have real impacts on our lives.”
In South Carolina, Henry McMaster extended his state’s emergency declaration through the weekend to ensure resources remain available.
Officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel, complete preparations before Friday evening, and closely monitor local advisories.
Travel and Power Impacts Remain a Concern
Although ice accumulation appears less likely, heavy snow combined with strong winds could still result in:
- Road closures and dangerous driving conditions
- Delayed emergency response times
- Scattered power outages, particularly where snow loads accumulate on trees and power lines
Coastal communities may face additional challenges from blowing snow and reduced visibility, especially during overnight hours.
What Comes Next
Forecasters stress that confidence is high that the storm will impact the Southeast, but confidence in exact totals and locations remains low. Small shifts in the storm’s track could significantly change outcomes for individual cities.
Residents across the Carolinas, Georgia, and Virginia are urged to prepare now, keep emergency supplies on hand, and stay informed as updated forecasts and advisories are issued.
Do you think your area is prepared for another winter storm so soon after the last one? Share how you’re getting ready and what conditions look like where you live in the comments below.
