Rare Winter Storm Brings Unprecedented Cold and Snow to the Southern U.S.
PENSACOLA, Fla. – A historic winter storm plunged parts of the South into frigid temperatures on Thursday, with several Florida cities experiencing colder weather than Anchorage, Alaska. Temperatures in Pensacola dropped to 26°F early Thursday, while Anchorage residents enjoyed a comparatively mild 41°F.
Anchorage has recorded less than 4 inches of snow this season, far below the snowfall Pensacola saw earlier this week. Nearby areas of the Gulf Coast were also blanketed with record-breaking snowfall. New Orleans received 10 inches, its largest snowfall in over a century. Mobile, Alabama, set a record with 7.5 inches, and Milton, Florida, saw 9.8 inches of snow, more than doubling the state record set in 1954.
Despite the freezing temperatures, a gradual warmup is in sight. Houston, which experienced up to 6 inches of snow on Tuesday, was forecast to reach 50°F on Thursday. New Orleans was expected to see 41°F, Mobile 45°F, and Pensacola 44°F. However, meteorologists warned that snow and ice would likely refreeze overnight as temperatures dropped back into the 20s.
The long-term outlook appears promising. Forecasters predict above-average temperatures across the South from February to April, offering hope for a thaw in the weeks ahead. Weather.com suggests the region is likely to experience warmer-than-usual conditions during this period.
The storm’s impact has been deadly, with at least 12 fatalities reported, including seven in Texas. The rare weather event brought snow to unexpected places, including Tallahassee, Florida, which received 2 inches of sleet and snow.
Residents made the most of the unusual conditions. Families in Tallahassee flocked to McCord Park for sledding and snowball fights. Children improvised sleds using pool floats shaped like unicorns and swans, filling the park with laughter and excitement.
Meteorologists expect the snow to melt within a day or two under sunny and warmer conditions. National Weather Service meteorologist Wright Dobbs expressed disbelief, noting on X: “To still have snow/sleet on the ground nearly 2 days since it started… still hard to believe!”
