A significant winter storm has blanketed the Gulf Coast with snow and ice, creating hazardous conditions from Louisiana to Texas. This rare weather event has led to blizzard warnings, school closures, flight cancellations, and dangerous travel conditions.
The National Weather Service has issued advisories urging residents to stay indoors and avoid travel due to severe winter weather affecting southeastern Texas. Reports indicate that some areas have received up to 6 inches of snow. Major cities, including Houston, are experiencing major disruptions, leading to the suspension of operations at both George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Hobby Airport.
Louisiana, a state not typically accustomed to heavy snowfall, is currently under its first-ever blizzard warning. Some regions have reported snowfall accumulations of up to 10 inches, with New Orleans receiving 9.5 inches and East Baton Rouge Parish recording 9 inches. Governor John Bel Edwards has described the storm as “a once-in-a-lifetime event” and has urged residents to take necessary precautions.
The Florida Panhandle is also seeing rare snowfall, with some areas recording over half a foot of accumulation. In Southern Alabama, snowfall totals range from 4 to 8 inches, while central Mississippi reports up to 2 inches. These states are generally unprepared for such winter conditions, and residents are encouraged to avoid the roads.
View on Threads
Southern Georgia is experiencing mixed precipitation, including snow and ice, while lighter snowfall is expected along the coast of South Carolina. Authorities in these areas are advising residents to take precautions and prepare for potentially hazardous conditions. Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet of Louisiana emphasized the extraordinary severity of the storm, stating, “We have never seen anything like this before. It’s crucial for everyone to stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel.”
The storm has caused significant disruptions, including school closures and flight cancellations. Schools in New Orleans will remain closed for the next few days due to snow and ice conditions. Both George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Hobby Airport in Houston have suspended operations but are expected to reopen soon. Airline spokesperson Julia Marks stated, “Safety is our top priority. We are working closely with weather authorities to ensure we resume flights as soon as it is safe to do so.”
View on Threads
Despite the challenging weather, residents in Louisiana are finding ways to enjoy the winter conditions. A group of nuns and a priest from St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Parish participated in a snowball fight, creating joyful moments amidst the cold. First responders have also joined in the fun, and their snowball battles have gone viral on social media. Resident Maria Lopez remarked, “It’s heartwarming to see people finding moments of joy even in these difficult conditions.”
View on Threads
Stacey Denson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, called the storm “crazy to see,” highlighting its rarity in Louisiana. “The cold front is expected to last until Thursday, so we advise everyone to stay off the roads and prepare for prolonged hazardous conditions,” Denson said.
Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and prepare winter survival kits if travel is absolutely necessary. The National Weather Service has issued a warning about black ice on the roads, which can be hard to detect and extremely dangerous. Emergency management official Ryan Caldwell stated, “It’s essential to be prepared and stay informed. Having a winter survival kit can significantly improve your safety during this storm.”
