Southeast Winter Storm Brings Mesoscale Snow Bands to Georgia and Carolinas, Creating Sharp Snowfall Swings and Dangerous Travel

GEORGIA — A strengthening winter storm sitting just offshore is setting the stage for a highly uneven but potentially dangerous snowfall event across north and central Georgia, with impacts extending into upstate South Carolina and parts of North Carolina. While overall snowfall totals may not look extreme on paper, forecasters warn that mesoscale snow banding could lead to sudden bursts of heavy snow, rapid road deterioration, and sharply different conditions just miles apart.

Snow Showers Begin Tonight, Heaviest Impacts Saturday Morning

Light snow showers are expected to begin across northwest Georgia as early as 8 p.m., with coverage expanding southward overnight. By 3 to 4 a.m., snow is expected to reach most areas north of the I-20/I-85 interchange, then continue pushing south toward a line from north of Columbus to Macon by 7 to 8 a.m.

The core of the storm is expected Saturday morning through early afternoon, when snowfall rates may briefly intensify before gradually tapering from west to east by sunset.

Mesoscale Banding Could Create Mini-Blizzard Conditions

The biggest uncertainty — and concern — with this storm is the potential for mesoscale banding, a phenomenon where snow organizes into narrow but intense bands rather than falling evenly.

In these bands, snowfall rates could spike to 2 to 3 inches per hour, while areas just 15 to 20 miles away may see little more than flurries. This explains why some locations may struggle to reach forecast totals while others exceed them significantly. Forecasters stress that it is impossible to pinpoint exactly where these bands will set up, and real-time radar will be critical as the event unfolds.

Snowfall Totals May Vary Sharply by Location

Current guidance suggests many areas will land near 2 to 4 inches, but localized pockets of 6 to 8 inches are possible where heavier bands persist the longest. Because of the banded nature of the snow, totals will not follow clean geographic lines. Residents should be prepared for rapid changes in conditions, especially while traveling.

Cold Air and Powdery Snow Will Worsen Road Conditions

Snow-to-liquid ratios are expected to hover near 20:1, meaning the snow will be very dry and powdery — unusual for the Deep South. Combined with cold ground temperatures, accumulation will begin quickly once snow starts falling.

Once temperatures drop below freezing tonight, many areas receiving snow could remain below freezing into mid-morning Monday, limiting melting and keeping roads icy longer than usual, particularly in shaded areas.

Strong Winds Raise Risk of Blowing Snow and Sudden Whiteouts

As the offshore low strengthens, the pressure difference between it and incoming Arctic high pressure will increase, producing widespread wind gusts of 30 to 35 mph by Saturday afternoon.

These winds may cause blowing and drifting snow, a rare but serious hazard for Georgia and the Southeast. Any snow squalls that develop could rapidly reduce visibility over short distances, making travel dangerous to potentially impossible in affected areas.

Travel Impacts Could Become Severe in Short Timeframes

Road conditions may deteriorate quickly after snow begins, especially under heavier bands. Visibility reductions, icy surfaces, and drifting snow could make even short trips risky.

Officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel during peak snowfall, particularly Saturday morning and early afternoon, and to remain alert for rapidly changing conditions driven by localized snow bands.

What Residents Should Do Now

With uncertainty high and impacts potentially severe in narrow corridors, residents across Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina are advised to stay weather-aware, monitor radar updates, and be prepared for conditions that may look very different just a few miles away.

This is a storm where timing and location matter more than totals, and where preparation ahead of the heaviest snow could make a critical difference. NapervilleLocal.com will continue monitoring developments and provide updates as this winter storm evolves across the Southeast.