How Much Snow Will We Get? Here’s Where Meteorologists Are Tracking Heavy Snow This Weekend

Widespread snow and a potentially damaging ice storm are on the table from the South into the Northeast this weekend, with states like Texas and Georgia bracing for an unusual bout of winter weather. 

Dubbed Winter Storm Fern by the Weather Channel, forecasts predict that starting Friday and continuing through Monday, potentially damaging ice and heavy snow will affect millions.

Just how much snow will depend on where you live, though; and as of now, there are several models tracking the storm, predicting different accumulations.

Here are the latest numbers, according to meteorologists and the National Weather Service.

How much snow will we get?

“Confidence is high that a significant storm will occur, but not on specific details for the storm track, timing, and precipitation,” shared the National Weather Service Prediction Center on Wednesday. With just two days until the storm takes hold of the country, however, they shared the above map showing their predicted impact. 

In terms of snow, Southern Rockies and the South-Central Plains eastward through the Mid-Atlantic are likely to be the hardest hit.

Dallas and Houston

In 2021, a winter storm dropped up to 10 inches of snow and saw temperatures dip as low as 0 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for all of North Texas for the upcoming weekend, though the area won't see those kinds of numbers.

The Dallas-Fort Worth area is expected to see the most significant impact, with the heaviest effects expected by 9 p.m. Friday, and the entire region forecasted to be hit by an arctic cold front starting Friday afternoon, bringing a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. 

Meanwhile, freezing rain and sleet are likely to move into the Houston area by Saturday, with light snow possible early Sunday. Given the warmer temperatures of the area though, heavy snow and large accumulations are unlikely.

Tulsa and Oklahoma City

A winter storm watch will be in effect from Friday at noon through late Sunday morning for most of Oklahoma, according to local reports.

Eastern Oklahoma, including Tulsa, is expected to receive several inches of snow. Light snow is forecasted to begin by Friday afternoon, with the intensity increasing through Saturday morning, turning into alternating periods of moderate to heavy snowfall.

As for Oklahoma City, OK, by Friday the temperatures will turn very cold with periods of snow starting, accumulating 1 to 3 inches, according to AccuWeather. Another 1 to 3 inches is expected to fall on Saturday. 

Atlanta

While snow is forecasted for Atlanta over the long weekend, local forecasters seem far more concerned with the impacts of ice in the area. 

FOX 5 Storm Team Chief Meteorologist David Chandley warned that the “main concern” for residents is the ice accumulation creating hazardous conditions for roads and homes.

"The ice accumulation would be destructive. We’re talking about over a half-inch of ice in most areas," Chandley said. "That brings down trees, that brings down power lines. So that’s why we have the concern." 

Freezing rain dominates the forecast through most of the weekend, starting as early as Saturday morning as temperatures take a significant dive. The likelihood for snow won’t develop until Monday, before finally tapering off later in the day. 

Nashville and Memphis, TN

As amazing as it sounds, Nashville, TN, has the potential to see a significant amount of snow this weekend. 

The National Weather Service estimates that Nashville has a 55% likelihood of seeing 6 or more inches of accumulation from Friday to Sunday, with an even bigger chance of getting at least 3 inches of snow.

Memphis, TN, is also expected to see snowfall throughout the weekend, though with a smaller accumulation of at least 2 inches. 

Huntsville, AL

Central Alabama and cities like Huntsville, AL, could see a few flurries during the winter weekend, but that is looking less and less likely with the newest forecast data.

Local forecasts predict there will be a better chance for snow well south of Birmingham. Still, throughout the state, homeowners should prepare for bitter temperatures to settle in starting on Friday 

Philadelphia

The latest update from the National Weather Service says Philadelphia has an 80% probability to see at least 6 inches of snow by Monday.

However, this could increase or decrease depending on the movement of the storm. On its current trajectory, skewing more toward the South, there will be higher accumulations south of the I-95 corridor, meaning Philly homeowners will see snow, but in manageable amounts.

But should the storm start pulling north, that’s when the area could see higher accumulations. 

The bigger concern for the area are the bitter temperatures. Temps on Saturday and Sunday in the Philadelphia area are expected to barely crack 20 degrees, with overnight lows sticking in the teens.

New York City

Like Philadelphia, New York City will be impacted by heavy snow on Sunday, though the storm will begin to drop flakes as early as Saturday. 

While 1 to 2 inches are expected Saturday, once Sunday comes along, there will be two waves for accumulation. The first snow will begin Sunday morning, before picking up again for a second snowfall in the afternoon into the night.