Winter Storm Warning Announced Impacting 18 States as Rare 'Heavy Snow' Approaches
It's not often that the southeastern United States gets more snow than the Midwest, but it looks like that is going to be the case this weekend, as a rare winter storm warning has been issued for parts of Georgia as a system moves across the eastern United States, bringing winter weather to at least 18 different states along or near the East Coast.
While more than a dozen states are expected to be impacted by the winter storm system moving across the East Coast from Saturday night to Sunday afternoon, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a rare winter storm warning for parts of the southern state of Georgia.
Winter Storm in the South
In a surprising turn of events, the NWS issued a winter storm warning for parts of Georgia, warning of rare "heavy snow" for parts of the state.
The winter storm warning covers portions of central and west central Georgia, warning of "heavy snow" expected, with total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches. The warning stretches from 3 a.m. on Sunday morning to 1 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.
The warning covers Toomsboro, Abbeville, Warner Robins, Macon, Vienna, Fort Valley, Cochran, Hawkinsville, Montezuma, Dublin, Eastman, Cordele, Jeffersonville, and Americus.
Notably, Atlanta is not included in the winter storm warning as the most severe winter weather is expected to hit south of the city. However, it's possible that Atlanta will be impacted by the storm, especially on the southern side of the city, where Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is located.
Given that Georgia does not typically receive winter weather, the winter storm could create issues for travel, both on the road and through the airport, which is the busiest airport in the United States.
"Plan on slippery road conditions," the NWS warns.
In addition to the winter storm warning in Georgia, parts of southeastern Alabama and northwestern Florida are under a winter storm advisory, which is less severe than a winter storm warning but still worth caution.
At Least 18 States Impacted
While the lone winter storm warning for the storm system is in Georgia, NWS projections expect the system to cause "at least minor winter storm impacts" for parts of 18 different states.
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Florida
- South Carolina
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Maryland
- Delaware
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- New York
- Connecticut
- Rhode Island
- Massachusetts
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Maine
Obviously, more states could be impacted by the storm, as well.
Impactful snowfall is forecast to begin late tonight, occurring up and down the East Coast extending from the western Florida Panhandle to Maine. Be sure to plan ahead if traveling tomorrow.
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) January 17, 2026
As always, check https://t.co/pGx1JRZdMa for local forecasts and more information. ❄️ pic.twitter.com/XkWlNSF8Vd
"Heavy snow rates up to 1 inch per hour are possible in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and New England," the NWS warns. "Highest chances (~40-70%) of at least minor impacts expected across the Interior Southeast and coastal New England."
Travel Impacts
Given the sheer size of the winter storm, there's a chance that it could have wide-reaching travel impacts for both motorists and air travel, especially in the southeastern United States, where this sort of winter weather is uncommon.
"Snow in the Southeast is not very common. It only takes a very small amount of snow to cause a flurry of problems," said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dan Pydynowski via Newsweek.
"Travel disruptions are possible on the roads and at airports. Winter weather can have major travel impacts in the Southeast because the region has fewer plow trucks, salt supplies and road treatment resources than northern states," Pydynowski continued.
Before you drive in any winter weather conditions, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready for these conditions, including your snow tires, even if they appear to have plenty of tread. There are also several important items you should be sure to have in your road safety kit before you hit the road in winter weather conditions.
"Even where roads look wet, temperatures dropping below freezing can turn those surfaces icy, creating dangerous driving conditions with little warning," Pydynowski continued.
This could be particularly problematic if the winter weather hits Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, which is the busiest airport in the United States.
Given that the airport does not typically deal with these conditions and is limited in its ability to remove ice from planes and treat runways, those flying to, through, or from Atlanta could face lengthy delays or cancellations.
Other airports throughout the East Coast could be impacted, as well, so it's important to check the status of your flights early and often if you are flying this weekend.