An intense arctic blast sweeping across the United States will lead to significant snow and ice in parts of the South for the first time this winter, as a new storm system tracks through the region. This marks the fourth storm in the past two weeks that threatens to cause major disruptions in areas east of the Rockies.

The recent extreme weather conditions have already caused havoc, with Oregon experiencing damaging ice and wind on Saturday, and Buffalo, New York, facing persistent lake-effect snow. Blinding snow squalls are also possible in the Northeast, while strong winds continue to affect travel in the Midwest.

However, the South has predominantly dealt with tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in recent storms. As the arctic chill settles over the region, temperatures have dropped significantly. More than 75% of the US population is expected to experience temperatures below freezing over the next seven days. As early as Tuesday, more than 250 daily cold temperature records could be broken from Oregon to Mississippi.

Cities such as Dallas, Nashville, and Memphis, Tennessee have already seen temperatures in the teens on Sunday, and these frigid temperatures are set to continue. In fact, Atlanta, Montgomery, Alabama, and Shreveport, Louisiana are expected to face similar freezing conditions by Tuesday. The southern cities, including Memphis, Dallas, and Nashville, are preparing for at least 72 consecutive hours of below freezing temperatures, which may cause damage to exposed pipes and water main breaks.

To address the potential risks posed by the extreme cold, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves has declared a state of emergency starting on Sunday. The Governor's office has urged all residents in the impacted areas to take precautions, such as preparing their homes for freezing temperatures, bringing pets indoors, and checking on vulnerable loved ones.

Additionally, Texas, known for its vulnerable power grid, will face its first test of the winter as temperatures plummet. The state's independent grid operator, ERCOT, has issued a weather watch, warning of increased power demand and a potential dip in reserves. However, ERCOT reassured that there should be sufficient power to avoid outages.

While the South braces for freezing temperatures, states from Texas to Virginia are under winter storm warnings, affecting over 45 million people. The Weather Prediction Center has cautioned that the prolonged nature of this storm system could result in moderate to major winter storm impacts in parts of Arkansas, northwest Mississippi, and western Tennessee.

Ice accumulation is a significant concern, with a sleet and freezing rain belt expected from San Angelo, Texas, to Huntsville, Alabama. This hazardous ice could pose risks on roadways, trees, and power lines. Residents in Dallas and Shreveport, Louisiana are advised to exercise caution during the Monday morning commute, as the wintry precipitation is expected to freeze on untreated surfaces.

Snowfall is also anticipated, with areas from Oklahoma to Virginia expected to receive a coating of 2 to 6 inches. Memphis, which has yet to see measurable snow this year, could accumulate between 3 and 7 inches. Nashville, Knoxville, and various parts of Arkansas are also expected to experience significant snowfall.

The storm system is expected to clear the South by late Tuesday before potentially moving into the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, which could lead to increased snow chances in those regions by Wednesday.

As the extreme cold and winter storm conditions persist, authorities are urging residents to stay updated on weather alerts, take necessary precautions, and prioritize their safety during this challenging weather event.

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