A historic winter storm has blanketed the U.S. Gulf Coast in record-breaking snowfall, shocking communities that are usually basked in sunshine. Stretching from Texas to the Carolinas, the storm has caused widespread travel chaos, with thousands of canceled flights and treacherous roads. At least 11 lives have been claimed, as icy conditions lead to fatal car accidents and suspected hypothermia cases.
New Orleans experienced snowfall far beyond its historical records, with areas seeing up to 25 centimeters—shattering the previous record from 1963. In Milton, Florida, snowfall reached 24.9 centimeters, breaking the state’s lifetime record from 1954. Houston, unprepared for winter, saw 10 centimeters, while La Porte reported 15 centimeters. Charleston, South Carolina, had over 10 centimeters, forcing airport closures, and Mobile, Alabama, recorded 15.7 centimeters—exceeding its one-day record from 1881.
The storm has not only disrupted travel but also posed a major threat to life. In Texas and Alabama, icy roads have led to deadly car accidents. Hypothermia-related deaths have been reported in places like Milwaukee and Georgia. The storm has overwhelmed warming centers across the region, with thousands seeking refuge in Texas, Louisiana, and New Orleans.
Airports in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida were shut down, while roads in Louisiana and Alabama were deemed impassable due to black ice. This shocking winter event serves as a stark reminder of the changing climate, revealing the Gulf Coast’s vulnerability to extreme weather.
