• Winter Storm Cora is sweeping across 18 southern U.S. states, bringing up to 12 inches of snow and record-low temperatures.
• Major cities like Dallas, Little Rock, and Nashville face hazardous travel conditions and potential power outages.
• The storm will extend into the Ohio Valley, Great Lakes, and Mid-Atlantic regions by Friday night, causing slick roads and delays.
• Temperatures have plunged 30 to 40 degrees below average, increasing the risks of ice accumulation and scattered power outages.
• Cora challenges the global warming narrative, highlighting winter’s unpredictability and the need for preparedness.

A massive winter storm named Cora is barreling across the southern United States, threatening to bury parts of 18 states in up to a foot of snow and plunge temperatures to record lows. The storm, which began its assault on Thursday, is expected to wreak havoc from Texas to Virginia, creating dangerous travel conditions and raising concerns about power outages. With temperatures plummeting well below average, Cora is a stark reminder of winter’s unpredictability — and a challenge to the narrative of global warming.

Winter Storm Cora is forecast to dump one to six inches of snow across a wide swath of the South, including central Texas, Tennessee, and the southern Appalachians. However, pockets of heavier snowfall — up to 12 inches — are expected in areas just north of Dallas, Little Rock, and eastern Tennessee. If Dallas receives six inches of snow, it would mark one of the top five snowfalls in the city’s history.

“Persons should delay travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility,” the National Weather Service (NWS) warned. Major metro areas like Dallas-Fort Worth, Little Rock, Nashville, Atlanta, and Charlotte are expected to face hazardous road conditions Thursday through Friday.

The storm’s icy grip will extend into the Ohio Valley, Great Lakes, and Mid-Atlantic regions by Friday night, though snowfall in these areas will be lighter. Still, even a dusting of snow could create slick roads and travel delays.

Record-breaking cold and power outage risks

Temperatures across the South have plunged 30 to 40 degrees below average, creating ideal conditions for snow and ice accumulation. This Arctic blast, combined with Cora’s wintry mix, could lead to widespread icing and scattered power outages throughout the affected areas. Many states are still recovering from Winter Storm Blair, which left tens of thousands of people without electricity earlier this week.

“This could lead to treacherous travel throughout these areas, with some roads possibly becoming impassable, especially in hilly or mountainous terrain,” meteorologists from The Weather Channel stated.

The storm’s impact is expected to linger into the weekend, with snow and ice expected to persist near the Eastern Seaboard and Appalachians early Saturday. By Sunday, Cora is expected to move offshore, but not before potentially tracking as far north as southern New England.

A challenge to the global warming narrative

While climate activists continue to sound the alarm about global warming, Winter Storm Cora and the accompanying Arctic blast serve as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability. Record-breaking cold and heavy snowfall are not anomalies but part of the Earth’s complex climate system. As temperatures drop and snow blankets the South, it is clear that winter’s fury remains a formidable force.

Winter Storm Cora is a powerful sign of the challenges posed by severe winter weather. With record snowfall, plummeting temperatures, and dangerous travel conditions, the storm underscores the importance of preparedness and caution. As the South braces for Cora’s impact, one thing is certain: winter is far from over, and its lessons are as cold as they are clear.

Sources for this article include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Forbes.com

Weather.com