Winter Storm Causes Emergencies Across Southern U.S.

A powerful winter storm is impacting the southern U.S., prompting states of emergency from Texas to South Carolina. Arkansas and Tennessee are expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with snowfall totals reaching up to 12 inches in some areas, while other states face a dangerous wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain. Governors in multiple states, including Georgia and North Carolina, have mobilized resources and declared emergencies, with school closures affecting millions of students. Over 4,500 flights were delayed and 2,000 canceled due to the storm's impact on travel. Authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel as treacherous conditions persist across the region. The storm's effects are compounded by a polar vortex, raising concerns about the frequency of such extreme weather patterns in a warming world.