A rare and powerful winter storm is impacting the southeastern U.S., with roughly 40 million people from Texas to the Carolinas under winter weather alerts. This once-in-a-generation storm is bringing potentially historic snowfall and extremely cold temperatures to areas that are not typically accustomed to such harsh weather. Snow is falling from southeast Texas through Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, creating treacherous conditions for commuters and residents alike. Cities from Houston to southern Louisiana have already seen 1-3 inches of snow, with some areas approaching 6 inches, and additional snowfall is expected in the coming days. New Orleans and other Gulf Coast cities are forecast to experience record-breaking snow amounts.
The storm has also prompted the National Weather Service to issue an unprecedented blizzard warning for southern Louisiana and far eastern Texas, the first ever along the Gulf Coast. The blizzard is combining heavy snow and strong winds, leading to dangerous whiteout conditions. Areas in southern Louisiana could see snow totals of 3-6 inches, further intensifying the hazardous situation.
The storm has caused widespread disruptions, including the closure of multiple airports across the South. Over 2,000 flight cancellations have been reported, affecting travel nationwide. Major highways, including large sections of Interstate 10, have been closed due to snow and icy conditions, making travel nearly impossible in many areas, especially around New Orleans. Schools, government offices, and businesses have shut down across the affected states, and states of emergency have been declared in Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi.
Additionally, the extreme cold has triggered dangerously low temperatures and wind chills, stretching from the Canadian border to the Mexican border. For the second consecutive day, wind chills have dropped into the teens for much of the Gulf Coast, with some areas in northern Texas experiencing single-digit temperatures. The cold has already been linked to at least one death in Milwaukee, adding to the severity of the storm's impact.