A rare winter storm is reportedly bringing dangerously cold temperatures, heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain to much of the South and Eastern United States, causing widespread disruptions.

The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center warns that these hazardous conditions will persist from Wednesday, January 22, through Friday, January 24. In response, several schools in five states have announced closures to prioritize safety.

In North Carolina, schools fully closed on Wednesday, January 22, according to WBTV. These included Gaston County Schools, Kannapolis City Schools, Hickory Grove Christian School, Lake Norman Christian School, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, Gaston Christian School (Gastonia), Gaston Christian School (Kings Mountain), Gaston Day School, Northside Academy for Early Learning, Union County Public Schools, and Weddington Christian Academy.

Victory Christian Academy also closed, while Anson County Schools and Sugar Creek Charter School transitioned to remote learning. Cleveland County Schools are also closed but designated the day as an optional teacher workday. In South Carolina, hazardous weather prompted the closure of Clover School District and Lancaster County Schools on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Florida Department of Education reports that all K-12 schools in the following counties are closed on Wednesday: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Liberty, Leon, Levy, Madison, Nassau, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Taylor, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington.

The Madison County Schools will remain closed through Thursday, January 23.

Florida’s colleges, including Chipola College, Florida Gateway College, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Gulf Coast State College, North Florida College, Northwest Florida State College, Pensacola State College, Santa Fe College, and Tallahassee State College, also suspended operations on Wednesday.

Additionally, universities such as Florida A&M University, Florida State University, the University of North Florida, and the University of West Florida closed their campuses on the same day.

In Georgia, school closures on Wednesday were widespread across the Atlanta area, as reported by Atlanta News First. Districts affected included Atlanta Public Schools, Barrow County School System, Butts County Schools, Clarke County School District, Coweta County Schools, Dalton Public Schools, Griffin-Spalding County School System, and Hebron Christian Academy.

Additional closures included Henry County Schools, Jackson County School System, Jefferson City Schools, Murray County Schools, Newton County Schools, Pike County Public Schools, Putnam County Charter School System, Thomaston-Upson County Schools, Troup County School System, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, and the University of Georgia.

Remote learning was implemented by Morehouse, Spelman, and Clark Atlanta universities, along with the City Schools of Decatur, Clayton County Public Schools, DeKalb County School District, Forsyth County Schools, Fulton County School System, Gwinnett County Public Schools, Meriwether County School System, and Rockdale County Public Schools.

In New Orleans, public schools, including charter schools and the district-run Leah Chase School, are reportedly closed through Thursday. Nearby, public schools in Jefferson Parish, St. Tammany Parish, St. Bernard Parish, and St. Charles Parish were also closed on Wednesday, along with all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Delgado Community College and Loyola University New Orleans canceled classes on Wednesday. Dillard University, Tulane University, and the University of New Orleans switched to online classes for the day. Xavier University and the University of Holy Cross will continue remote learning through Thursday.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge residents to stay informed and prioritize safety as the storm progresses. School closures are part of wider safety measures in nine U.S. states affected by the winter storm’s dangers.

On January 21, 2025, the NWS issued a winter storm warning for Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Texas, and Alaska. Here are the affected areas, storm duration, and key details.

Louisiana Areas Affected by the Winter Storm Warning

For Louisiana, the Lake Charles NWS reported that the affected areas include portions of central, south-central, southwest, and west-central Louisiana, as well as southeast Texas.

Winter storm warning duration: In effect until 9 p.m. CST.

What residents should anticipate: Heavy snowfall with additional accumulations ranging between one and six inches.

Precautions to be taken: Residents are urged to carry extra food, flashlights, and water in their cars in case of emergencies if travel is necessary. However, they are strongly advised to delay all travel. Extreme caution should be exercised if travel is unavoidable. Road condition updates can be obtained by dialing 511.

People are encouraged to stay indoors until weather conditions improve. If going outside, they should dress in layers, including gloves, scarves, and hats, to stay warm. All exposed skin should be covered to reduce the risk of hypothermia or frostbite.

The New Orleans NWS also reported that portions of southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi need to be on high alert.

Winter storm warning duration: In effect until midnight CST.

What residents should anticipate: Moderate to heavy snowfall with total snow and sleet accumulation ranging between three and seven inches. Ice accumulations are expected to be a light glaze.

Precautions to be taken: Residents are urged to carry extra food, flashlights, and water in their cars in case of emergencies if travel is necessary. However, they are strongly advised to delay all travel. Extreme caution should be exercised if travel is unavoidable. Road condition updates can be obtained by dialing 511.

People are encouraged to stay indoors until weather conditions improve. If going outside, they should dress in layers, including gloves, scarves, and hats, to stay warm. All exposed skin should be covered to reduce the risk of hypothermia or frostbite.

The same NWS also issued warnings for the following areas: Coastal Jefferson Parish, Lower Lafourche, Lower Plaquemines, and Lower Terrebonne Parishes.

Winter storm warning duration: In effect until midnight CST.

What residents should anticipate: Heavy mixed precipitation.

Precautions to be taken: Residents are urged to carry extra food, flashlights, and water in their cars in case of emergencies if travel is necessary. However, they are strongly advised to delay all travel. Extreme caution should be exercised if travel is unavoidable. Road condition updates can be obtained by dialing 511.

People are encouraged to stay indoors until weather conditions improve. If going outside, they should dress in layers, including gloves, scarves, and hats, to stay warm. All exposed skin should be covered to reduce the risk of hypothermia or frostbite.

North Carolina Areas Affected by the Winter Storm Warning

According to the Newport/Morehead City NWS, the affected areas in North Carolina include Carteret, southern Craven, Pamlico, Tyrrell, and Hyde counties, including Dare County and the Outer Banks.

Winter storm warning duration: From 5 p.m. until 7 a.m. EST on Wednesday.

What residents should anticipate: Heavy snowfall with a total accumulation of between four and six inches.

Precautions to be taken: Residents are urged to carry extra food, flashlights, and water in their cars in case of emergencies if travel is necessary. However, they are strongly advised to delay all travel. Extreme caution should be exercised if travel is unavoidable. Road condition updates can be obtained by dialing 511.

People are encouraged to stay indoors until weather conditions improve. If going outside, they should dress in layers, including gloves, scarves, and hats, to stay warm. All exposed skin should be covered to reduce the risk of hypothermia or frostbite.

The NWS also noted that Onslow, Jones, northern Craven, Beaufort, and Washington counties should be on high alert.

Winter storm warning duration: From 5 p.m. on Tuesday until 7 a.m. EST on Wednesday.

What residents should anticipate: Heavy snowfall with total accumulation between two and four inches.

Precautions to be taken: Residents are urged to carry extra food, flashlights, and water in their cars in case of emergencies if travel is necessary. However, they are strongly advised to delay all travel. Extreme caution should be exercised if travel is unavoidable. Road condition updates can be obtained by dialing 511.

People are encouraged to stay indoors until weather conditions improve. If going outside, they should dress in layers, including gloves, scarves, and hats, to stay warm. All exposed skin should be covered to reduce the risk of hypothermia or frostbite.

Duplin and Lenoir counties are also expected to be affected.

Winter storm warning duration: From 5 p.m. until 7 a.m. EST on Wednesday.

What residents should anticipate: Heavy snowfall with total accumulation reaching up to six inches.

Precautions to be taken: Residents are urged to carry extra food, flashlights, and water in their cars in case of emergencies if travel is necessary. However, they are strongly advised to delay all travel. Extreme caution should be exercised if travel is unavoidable. Road condition updates can be obtained by dialing 511.

People are encouraged to stay indoors until weather conditions improve. If going outside, they should dress in layers, including gloves, scarves, and hats, to stay warm. All exposed skin should be covered to reduce the risk of hypothermia or frostbite.

The Wilmington NWS has reported that portions of southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina will also be affected.

Winter storm warning duration: From 9 p.m. until 8 a.m. EST on Wednesday.

What residents should anticipate: Snow accumulation up to three inches, with locally higher amounts possible.

Precautions to be taken: Residents are urged to carry extra food, flashlights, and water in their cars in case of emergencies if travel is necessary. However, they are strongly advised to delay all travel. Extreme caution should be exercised if travel is unavoidable. Road condition updates can be obtained by dialing 511.

People are encouraged to stay indoors until weather conditions improve. If going outside, they should dress in layers, including gloves, scarves, and hats, to stay warm. All exposed skin should be covered to reduce the risk of hypothermia or frostbite.

South Carolina Areas Affected by the Winter Storm Warning

According to the Charleston NWS, the affected areas in South Carolina include parts of Georgia such as Bulloch, Candler, Effingham, Evans, Jenkins, Screven, and Tattnall counties. The affected areas in South Carolina include Allendale, Beaufort, Charleston, and several inland and coastal counties.

Winter storm warning duration: From 5 p.m. until noon EST on Wednesday.

What residents should anticipate: Heavy snowfall with accumulations reaching up to two inches.

Precautions to be taken: Same as Louisiana, but residents are advised to include booster cables, shovels, tire chains, extra clothing, blankets, and a first-aid kit in their winter storm kits.

Other areas mentioned include: Coastal and Inland Bryan, Coastal and Inland Chatham, Coastal and Inland Liberty, Coastal and Inland McIntosh, and Long Counties.

Winter storm warning duration: From 5 p.m. Tuesday until noon EST on Wednesday.

What residents should anticipate: Heavy mixed precipitation, with snow and sleet accumulations reaching up to one inch and ice accumulations of up to one-quarter of an inch.

Precautions to be taken: Residents are urged to carry extra food, flashlights, and water in their cars in case of emergencies if travel is necessary. However, they are strongly advised to delay all travel. Extreme caution should be exercised if travel is unavoidable. Road condition updates can be obtained by dialing 511.

People are encouraged to stay indoors until weather conditions improve. If going outside, they should dress in layers, including gloves, scarves, and hats, to stay warm. All exposed skin should be covered to reduce the risk of hypothermia or frostbite.

Texas Areas Affected by the Winter Storm Warning

According to the Austin/San Antonio NWS, the affected areas in Texas include the I-35 Corridor and the Coastal Plains.

Winter storm warning duration: In effect until 6 p.m. CST over the I-35 Corridor and Coastal Plains.

What residents should anticipate: Heavy mixed precipitation with total snowfall and sleet accumulations of up to one and a half inches. Ice accumulations may reach up to one-tenth of an inch.

Precautions to be taken: Residents are urged to carry extra food, flashlights, and water in their cars in case of emergencies if travel is necessary. However, they are strongly advised to delay all travel. Extreme caution should be exercised if travel is unavoidable. Road condition updates can be obtained by dialing 511.

People are encouraged to stay indoors until weather conditions improve. If going outside, they should dress in layers, including gloves, scarves, and hats, to stay warm. All exposed skin should be covered to reduce the risk of hypothermia or frostbite. Road condition updates can be obtained by dialing 800-452-9292 or visiting drivetexas.org.

According to the Houston/Galveston NWS, portions of south, central, and southeast Texas will be affected.

Winter storm warning duration: In effect until 6 p.m. CST on Tuesday.

What residents should anticipate: Heavy snow and sleet from late Monday night until early Tuesday afternoon, with exact locations uncertain. Localized accumulations may exceed five inches. Additional accumulations between two and four inches are expected. Winds may reach up to 40 mph.

Precautions to be taken: Residents are advised to delay all travel if possible. If travel is necessary, drive cautiously and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, allow extra travel time, and avoid sudden braking or acceleration.

Florida Areas Affected by the Winter Storm Warning

According to the Jacksonville NWS, portions of southeast Georgia will be affected.

Winter storm warning duration: In effect from 4 p.m. until 1 p.m. EST on Wednesday.

What residents should anticipate: Heavy mixed precipitation with total snowfall and sleet accumulations of up to two inches. Ice accumulations may reach up to one-tenth of an inch.

Precautions to be taken: Residents are urged to carry extra food, flashlights, and water in their cars in case of emergencies if travel is necessary. However, they are strongly advised to delay all travel. Extreme caution should be exercised if travel is unavoidable. Road condition updates can be obtained by dialing 511.

People are encouraged to stay indoors until weather conditions improve. If going outside, they should dress in layers, including gloves, scarves, and hats, to stay warm. All exposed skin should be covered to reduce the risk of hypothermia or frostbite.

Other areas mentioned include Coastal Nassau and Trout River counties, which should remain on high alert.

Winter storm warning duration: In effect from 7 p.m. until 1 p.m. EST on Wednesday.

What residents should anticipate: Heavy mixed precipitation, with total snowfall and sleet accumulations reaching up to one-half inch and ice accumulations of up to one-tenth of an inch.

Precautions to be taken: Residents are urged to carry extra food, flashlights, and water in their cars in case of emergencies if travel is necessary. However, they are strongly advised to delay all travel. Extreme caution should be exercised if travel is unavoidable. Road condition updates can be obtained by dialing 511.

People are encouraged to stay indoors until weather conditions improve. If going outside, they should dress in layers, including gloves, scarves, and hats, to stay warm. All exposed skin should be covered to reduce the risk of hypothermia or frostbite.

Alabama Areas Affected by the Winter Storm Warning

According to the Birmingham NWS, the affected areas include Barbour, Bullock, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Montgomery, Pike, and Russell counties.

Winter storm warning duration: In effect from 6 a.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. CST on Wednesday.

What residents should anticipate: Heavy snow with total snowfall and sleet accumulations of up to three inches.

Precautions to be taken: Residents are urged to carry extra food, flashlights, and water in their cars in case of emergencies if travel is necessary. However, they are strongly advised to delay all travel. Extreme caution should be exercised if travel is unavoidable. Road condition updates can be obtained by dialing 511.

People are encouraged to stay indoors until weather conditions improve. If going outside, they should dress in layers, including gloves, scarves, and hats, to stay warm. All exposed skin should be covered to reduce the risk of hypothermia or frostbite.

Mississippi Areas Affected by the Winter Storm Warning

According to the Jackson NWS, portions of northeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi will be affected.

Winter storm warning duration: In effect until midnight CST on Tuesday.

What residents should anticipate: Heavy snow with total accumulations of up to four inches.

Precautions to be taken: Residents are urged to carry extra food, flashlights, and water in their cars in case of emergencies if travel is necessary. However, they are strongly advised to delay all travel. Extreme caution should be exercised if travel is unavoidable. Road condition updates can be obtained by dialing 511.

People are encouraged to stay indoors until weather conditions improve. If going outside, they should dress in layers, including gloves, scarves, and hats, to stay warm. All exposed skin should be covered to reduce the risk of hypothermia or frostbite.

Alaska Areas Affected by the Winter Storm Warning

According to the Fairbanks NWS, the affected areas include Eastern Norton Sound, Nulato Hills, Yukon Delta Coast, Lower Yukon River, Middle Yukon Valley, Lower Yukon, and Innoko Valleys.

Winter storm warning duration: In effect from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. AKST on Wednesday.

What residents should anticipate: Heavy snow with total accumulations of six to ten inches. Near-blizzard conditions could occur overnight from Scammon Bay to Chevak.

Precautions to be taken: Travel may be difficult or impossible.

Additional areas affected include the Southern Seward Peninsula Coast and the Interior Seward Peninsula.

Winter storm warning duration: In effect from midnight on Tuesday until 6 p.m. AKST on Wednesday.

What residents should anticipate: Heavy snow with accumulations of six to twelve inches. Visibility may be reduced to one-half mile due to gusty winds up to 35 mph.

Precautions to be taken: Residents are urged to carry extra food, flashlights, and water in their cars in case of emergencies if travel is necessary. However, they are strongly advised to delay all travel. Extreme caution should be exercised if travel is unavoidable. Road condition updates can be obtained by dialing 511.

People are encouraged to stay indoors until weather conditions improve. If going outside, they should dress in layers, including gloves, scarves, and hats, to stay warm. All exposed skin should be covered to reduce the risk of hypothermia or frostbite.

Georgia Areas Affected by the Winter Storm Warning

According to the Peachtree City NWS, parts of central, east-central, southeast, and west-central Georgia will be affected.

Winter storm warning duration: In effect from 10 a.m. on Tuesday until 7 a.m. EST on Wednesday.

What residents should anticipate: Heavy snow with mixed precipitation and total accumulations of up to two inches, with a light glaze of ice.

Precautions to be taken: Residents are urged to carry extra food, flashlights, and water in their cars in case of emergencies if travel is necessary. However, they are strongly advised to delay all travel. Extreme caution should be exercised if travel is unavoidable. Road condition updates can be obtained by dialing 511.

People are encouraged to stay indoors until weather conditions improve. If going outside, they should dress in layers, including gloves, scarves, and hats, to stay warm. All exposed skin should be covered to reduce the risk of hypothermia or frostbite.

On the same day, Georgia’s Governor, Brian P. Kemp, confirmed the warnings via X, formerly known as Twitter. He wrote, “As our state experiences below-freezing temperatures and prepares for another winter weather system to move through, I have declared a statewide State of Emergency to ensure appropriate resources are deployed.”

Kemp continued, “To allow GDOT to prepare roadways and to limit traffic as much as possible, state offices in the City of Atlanta—including the State Capitol and surrounding areas—will be closed tomorrow, with employees who live in or commute to the city working remotely.”

A State of Emergency has been declared starting today due to the winter weather and will remain in effect until January 28, 2025.