South Braces for Another Arctic Blast as Thousands Remain Without Power

Freezing temperatures and snow expected to hit the region, compounding recovery efforts from last week's ice storm.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 4:23am

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The South is preparing for another round of harsh winter weather, including freezing temperatures, snow, and gusty winds, less than a week after an ice storm caused widespread power outages and at least 46 weather-related deaths across multiple states. Thousands of residents in Tennessee and Mississippi are still without electricity, exacerbating the danger posed by the impending cold snap. Experts warn the region's infrastructure is not designed to withstand ice storms, making restoration efforts more challenging. The bitter cold is expected to reach as far south as Florida, potentially threatening crops and wildlife.

Why it matters

The back-to-back winter storms have highlighted the vulnerability of the South's infrastructure and the need for better preparedness in the face of increasingly extreme weather events. The prolonged power outages and frigid temperatures also put the region's most vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and homeless, at serious risk.

The details

The National Weather Service has issued cold weather alerts from Texas to Tennessee and Florida, warning that prolonged exposure to the bitter cold could lead to hypothermia. Temperatures are expected to plunge into the teens across much of Tennessee and northern Mississippi, with wind chills near or below zero. Heavy snow and blizzard conditions are also possible for the Southeast this weekend. In Florida, actual air temperatures are forecast to dip into the 20s across much of the state by Sunday morning, potentially challenging daily record lows. The cold could kill crops, damage outdoor plumbing, and stun reptiles like iguanas and alligators.

  • On Friday night, temperatures are expected to fall into the teens across much of Tennessee and northern Mississippi.
  • On Saturday afternoon, highs will only reach 21 degrees in Nashville and 26 degrees in Oxford, Mississippi.
  • On Sunday morning, actual air temperatures are forecast to dip into the 20s across much of Florida, including Tallahassee, Jacksonville and Orlando.

The players

Sara Eftekharnejad

A professor of electrical engineering and computer science in Syracuse University's College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Marshall Shepherd

Director of the Atmospheric Sciences Program at the University of Georgia and former president of the American Meteorological Society.

Shannon Shepp

Executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus.

Matt Joyner

Executive vice president and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual.

Ron Magill

Communications director at ZooMiami.

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What they’re saying

“An equal concern is the frigid Arctic blast and the blustery winds.”

— Marshall Shepherd, Director of the Atmospheric Sciences Program at the University of Georgia and former president of the American Meteorological Society (ABC News)

“As is typical in these situations, it remains too early to estimate potential impacts, as effects will vary based on location, duration, and severity of cold temperatures.”

— Shannon Shepp, Executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus (ABC News)

“Florida growers are "experienced" in managing weather-related challenges and have navigated freeze events "many times before.”

— Shannon Shepp, Executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus (ABC News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This latest winter storm highlights the ongoing challenges the South faces in preparing for and recovering from extreme weather events, as the region's infrastructure is often not designed to withstand the impacts of ice storms and prolonged power outages. The situation underscores the need for greater investment in resilient energy systems and emergency preparedness measures to protect vulnerable communities.