Tallahassee, Florida, under first winter storm watch in 11 years as snow threatens

HOUSTON – Preparations are underway from Houston to Atlanta and even Tallahassee, Florida, as a rare winter storm heads toward the southern United States, where it is expected to bring a messy mix of heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain that could have a major impact on travel. and daily life.

The FOX Forecast Center said measurable snow could fall in cities unaccustomed to seeing winter weather, and while the snow forecast remains uncertain, computer forecast models show major cities from Texas to the Florida Panhandle to the Carolinas could potentially see an inch or more.

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Forecasters said an arctic high will be in place ahead of the winter storm, bringing some cold temperatures to the region before the action kicks off on Monday.

What’s different about this system is that not only will the arctic high be in place, but it won’t be located far enough south to push all the moisture offshore. An upper-level disturbance will dive out of the plains toward the Gulf Coast, allowing for an area of ​​low pressure to form over the Gulf of Mexico.

When that happens, moisture will be pulled north and join the cold air in place, and that’s where the problems begin.

The track of the low pressure system is still in doubt, but the current forecast calls for it to be in a position likely to drop some heavy snow.

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About 1-3 inches of snow is forecast for nearly all of the Gulf Coast states, with parts of East Texas, central Louisiana and western Mississippi potentially seeing higher amounts between 5 and 8 inches.

The Florida Panhandle and parts of southern Georgia could be in a bigger mess. As the low pressure system strengthens, warm air will be drawn in over the southeast.

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With warmer air aloft, snowflakes will begin to melt as they fall from the sky and will then have the opportunity to refreeze at the surface or be regular rain.

Currently, the FOX Forecast Center is expecting anywhere from 0.10-0.25 inches of ice, but that could change.

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Winter storm watches and warnings have been issued for half a dozen states across the South and Southeast.

Austin and San Antonio, Texas, are under a winter storm warning from Monday evening into Tuesday morning. Areas along the Interstate 35 corridor and to the east could see up to 2 inches of snow and sleet, with ice formations of about a tenth of an inch.

Tallahassee, Florida, is included in Winter Storm Watches, the first time since 2014 that Florida’s capital has been included in the weather forecast. The same Winter Storm Watch includes southeast Alabama, the Florida Panhandle and southwest Georgia.

Other major cities such as Houston, New Orleans, Montgomery, Alabama and Atlanta are also included in the Winter Storm Watches, which go into effect on Monday.

Significant impacts are expected, including some power outages and travel delays on roads and at airports across the region.

Ahead of the bad weather, Bush International and Hobby International airports suspended flights at midnight on Tuesday.

“Individuals should postpone all travel if possible,” the The National Weather Service office in Houston said. “If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility.”

Drivers are also encouraged to leave plenty of space between vehicles and allow more time to arrive safely.

“Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially careful on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good condition,” the NWS added.