A rare and devastating snowstorm has gripped the southern United States, bringing unprecedented freezing conditions and snowfall to regions typically known for their warm climates. Tragically, four lives have been lost, including two fatalities from hypothermia in Georgia and Milwaukee.
Texas has borne the brunt of the storm, with airports and highways forced to shut down. Southwest Louisiana issued its first-ever blizzard warning, marking the severity of the situation. Meanwhile, another powerful snowstorm blanketed parts of New York state with up to 18 inches of snow. The storm wreaked havoc on air travel, with over 2,200 flights canceled and 3,000 delayed on Tuesday alone, according to FlightAware.
The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts “historic” snowfall across the Gulf Coast, warning of heavy lake-effect snow and urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. In a shocking turn, Pensacola, Florida, recorded 6.5 inches of snow—the highest since the 1890s. Louisiana and New Orleans experienced snowfall exceeding 10 inches, the heaviest in over a century.
Governors in affected states have declared emergencies, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who issued an emergency order for western New York counties. Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon also declared a local emergency due to dangerous road conditions.
Adding to the tragedy, parts of Canada have reported extreme cold, with temperatures plummeting to a bone-chilling -50°C (-58°F) in some areas.
This historic snowstorm underscores the growing unpredictability of extreme weather, leaving millions grappling with its deadly impact.
