“Southern Sizzle: A Historic Winter Blast Turns the South into a Frozen Frenzy”

**Winter Storm Brings Snow and Ice to the South, Cancellation of Flights and School Closures**

A powerful winter storm has brought a flurry of snow and sleet to parts of the South, causing flight cancellations, school closures, and officials warning people to stay off the roads if possible. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings stretching from eastern Oklahoma to Virginia, with snow and freezing rain falling in cities including Jackson, Mississippi, and Atlanta.

The storm has brought more than a foot of snow to parts of western Arkansas, with even more heavy snowfall expected on Friday morning. Additionally, parts of the mid-Atlantic, Ohio Valley, and Northeast could see one to five inches of snow from Friday to Saturday.

**Flight Cancellations and Delays**

The widespread winter precipitation has resulted in the cancellation of over 2,000 flights in and out of airports in Atlanta, Dallas, Nashville, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Delta Air Lines has been particularly affected, with nearly 60% of departing flights from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport being canceled or delayed.

**Road Conditions**

The mix of ice and snow is making streets and highways treacherous across a wide swath of the South, with 31 counties in Mississippi reporting ice and the state Department of Transportation urging drivers to exercise caution. In Atlanta, public schools were closed, and early rush hour was slow as city streets and highways froze. Several drivers who ventured out found themselves stranded on the side of the road.

**Goverment Response**

Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp has urged people to stay off the roads, warning of snow mixed with ice as temperatures remain near freezing. Rain could make roads treacherous throughout Sunday. The Mississippi Department of Transportation has reported ice in 31 counties in the state.

**Frequently Asked Questions**

* What is the current weather condition in the South?
The current weather condition in the South is a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain, with widespread winter weather warnings stretching from eastern Oklahoma to Virginia.
* How many flights have been canceled due to the storm?
Over 2,000 flights have been canceled due to the storm, with Delta Air Lines being particularly affected.
* What are the road conditions like in the South?
Road conditions are treacherous, with 31 counties in Mississippi reporting ice and the state Department of Transportation urging drivers to exercise caution.
* How much snow is expected in the mid-Atlantic region?
Up to two inches of snow is currently expected in the mid-Atlantic east of the Allegheny Mountains.

**Conclusion**

The winter storm has brought a significant amount of snow and ice to the South, causing flight cancellations, school closures, and treacherous road conditions. The storm is expected to continue to affect the region over the next few days, with rain and sleet possible throughout Sunday. Residents are urged to exercise caution when traveling and to stay off the roads if possible.