Southward surge of Arctic air bringing forth hazardous icy weather conditions
A persistent ice tornado and winter storm event is currently affecting several states across the Southern Plains and Mid-South regions, causing significant disruptions to travel, power, and road conditions.
The affected states include Oklahoma, particularly its eastern regions, the Texas Panhandle, Kansas, and parts of Tennessee and Mississippi. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued long-duration ice tornado and winter storm warnings for these areas, following reported tornado activity near Vian, Oklahoma, and warnings stretching from the Texas Panhandle through Oklahoma and Kansas.
Travelers should expect significant disruptions due to ice accumulation and tornado damage. Roads may become icy and slippery, leading to hazardous driving conditions and potential road closures in the affected areas. Travel advisories urge caution and preparedness for delays.
Ice buildup on power lines and trees is likely to cause widespread power outages. Tornado damage can also down power infrastructure, compounding outages across the impacted states. Residents should prepare for possible prolonged power interruptions.
Ice storms can cause black ice and ice-covered roads, increasing the risk of accidents. Tornadoes can produce debris on roadways, further endangering travelers and complicating cleanup efforts. Emergency services will likely prioritize clearing major routes.
Approximately 3.3 million Americans are under an ice tornado warning, and about 14.5 million are under a winter storm warning. By 9 p.m. on Monday, over 5,100 flights were delayed or cancelled within the USA, with the majority being from Southwest Airlines out of Dallas-Fort Worth International and Dallas Love Field airports.
Travel could be difficult in some areas, particularly in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, and potentially Dallas-Fort Worth. An icy mix of rainfall is expected to affect at least 15 states from Monday to Wednesday.
In response to the severe weather, Southwest Airlines and American Airlines have issued waivers for travelers with flights to, from, and via some cities in Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Oklahoma from January 30 to February 1. The NWS Memphis office predicts significant ice buildup in Memphis, reaching up to half an inch by midday on Wednesday, and the ice tornado warning is currently active in Memphis until midday on Wednesday.
Elsewhere, the Dakotas and Minnesota might see wind chill temperatures drop to minus-40°, and moderate to heavy sleet, possibly accompanied by thunder, is anticipated in Arkansas and Oklahoma. The ice is expected to cause tree damage and power outages across the hardest-hit regions.
In the Great Plains and Intermountain West, temperatures are expected to be 20 to 30 degrees below average at the start of the week, according to NOAA. Ice accumulations of up to a quarter inch are expected in states such as Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Tennessee.
As the ice tornado is expected to last until Wednesday, it is crucial for residents in the affected areas to stay informed, prepare for potential power outages, and exercise caution while traveling.
Travelers should be prepared for significant disruptions and potential road closures in the impacted states, such as Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi, due to ice accumulation and tornado damage, as advised by the National Weather Service (NWS). Additionally, power outages are likely due to ice buildup on power lines and tornado damage, making it necessary for residents to prepare for possible prolonged power interruptions.
