A catastrophic snowstorm, deemed the worst in over a century, has wreaked havoc across the southern United States, leaving 11 people dead and millions grappling with freezing conditions. Stretching from Texas to Florida, the storm paralyzed cities, disrupted travel, and shattered snowfall records in states unaccustomed to such harsh winter weather.
In Alabama, two lives were lost—one in a tragic house fire caused by using a stove for warmth and another in a car accident. Georgia reported a hypothermia-related death, while Austin, Texas, saw two fatalities due to the freezing cold. Southwest of San Antonio, a devastating collision on icy roads claimed five lives. Meanwhile, in South Carolina, a 71-year-old man tragically passed away while shoveling snow.
The storm broke records across the Gulf Coast. Florida experienced its heaviest snowfall ever, with Milton recording 9.8 inches and Pensacola reaching an all-time high of 8.9 inches. In Texas, Beaumont saw its first-ever blizzard warning and recorded 5.2 inches of snow. Louisiana cities were also blanketed, with Baton Rouge and New Orleans recording 7.6 inches and 8 inches respectively—the highest since 1895. Mobile, Alabama, witnessed 7.5 inches, an unprecedented figure for the city.
Despite the snow melting in some regions, the danger persists. Extreme cold warnings remain in effect from Mississippi to the Florida Panhandle, with temperatures plummeting to as low as 12°F in some areas. Louisiana, in particular, is enduring its coldest temperatures in over a century.
Officials are urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as icy roads and freezing conditions continue to pose life-threatening risks. However, some relief is on the horizon, with temperatures expected to rise into the 50s and 60s by Sunday.
This once-in-a-lifetime storm has left a trail of heartbreak, reinforcing the importance of preparedness for severe weather events in regions unaccustomed to such extremes.
