Winter Storm Diego: Over 20 Million People Affected by Snow, Flash Flooding

A major storm is brewing over the southern U.S. states, threatening to deliver snow, ice and flooding over the coming days.

One foot of snowfall may be seen from New Mexico to North Carolina, causing statewide emergencies, according to a CNN report.

Due to ice, power outages and tree damage are to be expected across the nation.

Arkansas and western Tennessee

Arkansas and western Tennessee are forecasted to see a mix of snow and flooding rains Saturday.

North Arkansas will see up to 6 inches of snow and up to one-10th of an inch of ice.

The southern half of Arkansas is forecast to get 4 to 5 inches of rain and flash flooding is possible. Central Arkansas may be considered the lucky ones since they are only expected to see, at most, 1 inch of snow.

Areas in the Ozark Mountains are expected to see 2 to 6 inches of snow, including up to a quarter of an inch of ice.

Northeastern Arkansas and northwestern Tennessee are both suffering little impact from this storm, which a possibility of 1 inch of snow.

Eastern Tennessee, Georgia and Carolinas

Beginning early Saturday, these areas will see precipitation. Snow will start to creep in late Saturday and continue through Monday.

It's not certain, but significant snow could be seen throughout northeast Georgia and the Carolina.

"Snow may be beautiful but it can also be treacherous and I urge North Carolinians to take this storm seriously and get ready for it now," North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper said in a statement.

The Weather Channel has described the coming snowfall in North Carolina as a "once-in-a-generation event."

Virginia

Virginia's Governor, Ralph Northam urged residents Friday to prepare for the possibility of a wintry mix of snow, sleet, ice and rain over parts of western, central and northern Virginia, according to a Weather Channel report.

"Our state agencies are taking necessary precautions to keep everyone safe," said Northam. "I urge all Virginians to take this winter weather threat seriously and make sure your homes, businesses, and families are prepared for this storm and other events ahead this winter."

State agencies, including the Virginia Departments of Transportation and Emergency Management, and State Police, are currently on alert.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin issued a state of emergency for all counties "due to severe winter weather predicted for the state."

Freezing rain is expected through Saturday, while this area has already seen more than nine inches of snowfall Friday, leading to traffic issues.

Texas

So far, Texas has seen 10 inches of snow in Lubbock and Wolfforth; however, flooding rain is now appearing on the forecast.

Coming in Saturday morning through Saturday evening, coastal towns will possibly receive up to 2 inches every hour.

San Antonio and Houston could see flash flooding, as rainfall total could reach 3 to 6 inches, with as much as 10 inches in isolated spots. As of Friday evening, Austin had 2.95 inches of rain and an area of east Texas saw 3.4 inches.

Winter Storm Diego is expected to carry on into next week. Heavy snow and ice are concerns in several areas; however, due to its southern track, this storm will most likely not affect northeastern states.