A rare and powerful winter storm swept across the Gulf Coast, delivering heavy snow and icy conditions from Texas to Florida. The unprecedented snowfall shattered records, disrupted daily life, and brought freezing temperatures to regions unaccustomed to such weather. Here’s the latest on this extraordinary weather event and its far-reaching impacts.
Record Snowfall Sets New Benchmarks
The storm brought record-breaking snowfall to several southern states, with the National Weather Service (NWS) reporting unprecedented totals:
- New Orleans, Louisiana: 8 inches of snow broke the city’s previous record of 2.7 inches, set in 1963.
- Mobile, Alabama: The city saw 7.5 inches of snow, surpassing its 1973 record of 3.6 inches.
- Pensacola, Florida: Snowfall reached 7.6 inches, far exceeding the previous record of 2.3 inches from 1954.
- Milton, Florida: This town recorded 8.8 inches, doubling the state’s prior record of 4 inches, also set in Milton in 1954.
Blizzard Conditions Cause Travel Disruptions
For the first time, a blizzard warning was issued for parts of Louisiana’s coast. The storm created treacherous travel conditions, especially along the I-10 corridor, with snow, sleet, and freezing rain making roads nearly impassable.

- Flight Cancellations: More than 1,500 flights were canceled nationwide, with Texas and Louisiana seeing the highest numbers. Both George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby airports in Houston remained closed.
- Road Closures: Major highways and bridges, including the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in New Orleans, were shut down due to hazardous conditions.
- School Closures: Hundreds of schools from Texas to Florida’s Panhandle suspended classes, leaving students homebound amid the freezing weather.
Widespread Power Outages
The storm caused significant power outages across the region, leaving over 120,000 customers without electricity early Wednesday. Georgia and northern Florida were the most affected, with more than 47,000 and 42,000 outages, respectively.
Even NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston was forced to close for two days due to the storm’s severity. Emergency crews are working to restore power and clear roadways in the affected areas.
Fatalities and Accidents
The storm has turned deadly, with at least nine fatalities reported due to extreme cold and icy conditions. In Texas, five people lost their lives in a crash on icy roads in Zavala County.
Arctic Blast Brings Bitter Cold
The winter storm coincided with an arctic air mass that has enveloped much of the United States, driving temperatures to dangerously low levels.
- Wind Chills: The Midwest and Northeast faced wind chills as low as -20°F to -30°F, while subzero chills stretched across the Plains and Ohio Valley.
- Freezing Temperatures: Forecast highs ranged from the teens and 20s in the Midwest to the 30s and 40s in the Southeast, with the Rockies experiencing even colder conditions.
Long-Lasting Impacts
Although the storm is expected to move offshore by Wednesday morning, its effects are likely to linger. Many areas in the Gulf Coast region lack the equipment and infrastructure to clear snow efficiently, prolonging travel and power restoration challenges. The National Weather Service warned that disruptions could persist for several days.
Looking Ahead
As the storm moves away, arctic air will continue to dominate the eastern two-thirds of the country, keeping temperatures below normal through the week. For those affected by power outages, the prolonged cold presents additional risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.
This rare southern winter storm serves as a powerful reminder of nature’s unpredictability, even in regions typically untouched by snow. Officials urge residents to stay safe, remain prepared, and monitor updates as recovery efforts continue.
Stay informed for further developments on this historic weather event.