Cold Blast Threatens Record Snowfall, Energy Output in Southern US
A severe cold front is gripping the Southern United States, threatening record-breaking snowfall and plunging temperatures that endanger energy production and electrical grids.
Record Snowfall
Snowfall is forecasted to begin in Houston late Monday, with accumulations reaching up to 4 inches by Tuesday. This would set a January record for the city. New Orleans could see 5 inches, an all-time high for the region, while Baton Rouge, Louisiana, may accumulate up to 7 inches.
Extreme Cold
Extreme cold warnings extend from North Dakota to West Texas, with temperatures expected to drop significantly. "It's a significant storm for so far south," said Tony Fracasso, a senior branch forecaster at the US Weather Prediction Center. "Almost the entirety of Texas has some chance of wintry precipitation."
Energy Impact
Frigid temperatures following the snow could disrupt oil and natural gas production, leading to reduced output. The freeze could also increase electricity demand as residents rely on heating systems. The Texas electrical grid is under a weather watch, with peak demand forecasted to hit 77.5 gigawatts on Tuesday morning. Electricity prices in Dallas are expected to surge to $174 a megawatt-hour.
Grid Warnings
Beyond Texas, grid warnings have been issued outside of the state. PJM Interconnection, which operates the largest US grid in the Northeast, issued a "low voltage alert" through Thursday. Demand could reach 144 gigawatts Tuesday morning, eclipsing the decade-long record.
Transportation Disruptions
The severe weather has caused transportation disruptions. Amtrak has canceled several trains across the US West and South, while FlightAware reports over 566 flight cancellations and 5,279 delays within, into, or out of the US as of Monday afternoon.
Forecast Outlook
The snow is expected to move across Texas late Monday into Louisiana overnight, reaching Mississippi and Alabama by Tuesday. By midweek, it could extend to the North Carolina coast and southern Virginia before exiting into the Atlantic Ocean.