A historic winter storm, fueled by Arctic air, is gripping the United States, bringing life-threatening cold, snowfall, and freezing rain to regions unaccustomed to such extreme winter weather. More than 220 million Americans from the Canadian border to the Gulf of Mexico are under winter weather warnings or advisories. Areas as far south as Florida and the Gulf Coast could see snow, marking a rare event for the region.
States of Emergency Declared in the South
Governors of Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi have declared states of emergency, mobilizing resources to mitigate the storm’s impact. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry announced assistance from Arkansas, which sent 12 snowplow-equipped dump trucks. Landry advised residents, “This is the time when you can cook a big pot of gumbo,” while urging them to stay off icy roads.
Emergency Preparations and Advisories
Authorities in affected areas are emphasizing critical safety measures:
- Protect Pipes: Residents in Houston, New Orleans, and other cities are urged to wrap pipes to prevent freezing. Houston Mayor John Whitmire emphasized that the city’s water system is “fragile” due to over 1,000 active leaks.
- Stay Indoors: Officials in New Orleans are warning residents to “be ready to stay in for three days,” as stated by Colin Arnold, the city’s Homeland Security director.
key affected locations:
| State | Expected Impacts | Key Actions Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Snow, freezing rain, power outages | ERCOT issued a weather watch; Houston closed schools and airports |
| Louisiana | Blizzard conditions possible | Declared emergency; snowplows deployed |
| Georgia | Freezing rain, icy roads | Schools closed; pre-treated roadways |
| Florida | Rare snowfall, freezing rain | Officials urging caution in northern areas |
Widespread Travel Disruptions
The storm has already caused significant disruptions to air travel, with over 1,700 flights canceled on Tuesday alone, per FlightAware. Major hubs, including George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Hobby Airport in Houston, remain closed. In Atlanta, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport activated its Emergency Operations Center early Tuesday to manage operations during the storm.
Highway closures are likely along Interstates 10 and 20, where freezing rain and snow will make travel treacherous. The National Weather Service (NWS) in New Orleans warned, “Consider delaying all travel. Use extreme caution if travel is absolutely necessary.”
Record-Breaking Cold and Snowfall
Frigid air from Siberia has caused temperatures to plummet 20-30 degrees below normal across the nation. Southern cities like Houston, Atlanta, and New Orleans could experience rare extended freezes. In Houston, temperatures are expected to drop below freezing for multiple days, a first since the 1930s.
Snowfall Forecast Highlights:
- Southeast Texas to Louisiana: Snow accumulations of 1-3 inches; up to 4 inches in isolated areas.
- New Orleans: Potential to match or exceed its all-time record snowfall of 2.7 inches from 1963.
- Northern Florida: Rare measurable snow could coat the ground, potentially making this the first winter since 2010 where all 50 states have recorded snow.
Unprecedented Impacts for the Gulf Coast
Meteorologists are monitoring the potential for blizzard conditions in parts of southern Louisiana, a phenomenon never before recorded in the region. Donald Jones, a meteorologist with the NWS in Lake Charles, remarked, “(It’s) something I never thought I’d have to say in this part of the world, but blizzard conditions are certainly within reach for some areas.”
The Gulf Coast is also bracing for freezing rain and ice accumulation, which could render roads impassable and lead to power outages.
National and Regional Responses
This rare winter event is having ripple effects across the country:
- Northern US Cities: Prolonged freezing conditions in cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Boston.
- Energy Concerns: The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is preparing for high energy demand and possible power strain due to freezing temperatures.
- Red Cross Shortages: The hazardous weather has caused more than 10,000 canceled blood donations, leading to an emergency shortage of some blood types.
Officials continue to stress preparedness, urging residents to remain indoors, limit travel, and stockpile essentials. The storm serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of southern infrastructure to extreme winter weather and highlights the importance of advance planning in the face of such unprecedented events.
