Instant Insight

30-Second Take

• A severe winter storm has devastated parts of the U.S., causing widespread power outages and significant icing across several regions.
• The next round of bitter cold is expected to hit the South, affecting cities like Dallas, Little Rock, Memphis, and Atlanta.
• This cold snap follows a major winter storm that brought heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain to the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

The recent winter storm, which began on January 3, 2025, has left a trail of severe weather conditions across the U.S. This storm, unofficially nicknamed Winter Storm Blair, has brought heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and even a tornado in northern California.

Core Players

• National Weather Service (NWS) – Issued critical weather warnings and advisories.
• Southern and Midwestern states – Severely impacted by the winter storm.
• Emergency management services – Coordinated relief and response efforts.

Key Numbers

• Over 100,000 residents – Without power at the storm’s peak.
• 4-8 inches – Peak snow and sleet accumulations in affected areas.
• 0.25-0.75 inch – Ice totals in the hardest hit areas.
• 15-25 below zero – Expected wind chill temperatures in some regions.

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

The January 2025 winter storm system began forming on January 3, 2025, along the northern West Coast of the U.S. It quickly spread southeastward, bringing severe winter conditions to multiple regions.

This storm was part of a larger winter storm complex that impacted the northwestern U.S., southwestern Canada, the Great Plains, and the Midwestern United States.

Inside Forces

The storm caused significant disruptions, including widespread power outages, major tree and power line damage, and numerous road closures. Areas such as southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, and northwest Kentucky were particularly hard hit by an ice storm.

In addition to the ice, heavy snow and sleet accumulations were reported along and north of Interstate 64 in southern Illinois and southwest Indiana.

Power Dynamics

The National Weather Service played a crucial role in issuing timely warnings and advisories, helping to mitigate the impact of the storm. Emergency management services worked tirelessly to restore power and clear roads.

State and local governments also declared emergencies to mobilize resources and support affected communities.

Outside Impact

The storm’s broader implications include economic disruptions, particularly in regions heavily reliant on transportation and outdoor activities. Schools and government operations were significantly impacted, with many closures reported.

The upcoming round of bitter cold is expected to exacerbate these conditions, especially in the South, where cities are bracing for high-impact snow and ice threats.

Future Forces

As the South prepares for the next wave of cold weather, residents are advised to take precautions against the extreme conditions. This includes ensuring space heaters are safely used, having functional carbon monoxide detectors, and staying informed about weather updates.

Forecasters are closely monitoring the situation, predicting that cities such as Dallas, Little Rock, Memphis, and Atlanta will be under Winter Storm Watches in the coming days.

Data Points

• January 3, 2025: The winter storm system first made landfall along the northern West Coast.
• January 5, 2025: Peak snow and sleet accumulations and ice totals were reported.
• January 7, 2025: The next round of bitter cold is expected to hit the South.
• 15 inches: Predicted snowfall in Kansas and Missouri, the heaviest in a decade.
• 60-90%: Chance of accumulations reaching at least 6 inches in the central Great Plains and central Mississippi Valley.