A historic and rare winter storm is gripping the Gulf Coast region, bringing unprecedented snowfall and ice accumulation from Texas to Florida and threatening widespread power outages and travel disruptions.
Millions of residents across the southern United States are bracing for potentially life-threatening conditions as heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain continue to blanket a 1,000-mile stretch from central Texas to northern Florida and coastal Georgia. AccuWeather meteorologists warn that travel in affected areas could become “dangerous or impossible” for days.
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Snow and sleet began accumulating across the southern Plains and Gulf Coast on Monday evening, marking the start of an extraordinary winter weather event. The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for the upper Texas and Louisiana coasts, with reports of whiteout conditions and wind gusts exceeding 35 mph. The storm has forced the closure of major highways, including portions of Interstate 10, and has halted operations at airports in Houston, New Orleans, and Mobile.
“This will be a rare and especially dangerous winter storm right along the upper Gulf Coast that will result in major and lengthy disruptions to travel,” said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter.
This storm could become the most significant winter event in over a century for parts of the western and northern Gulf Coast. Cities including San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans, Biloxi, Mobile, Tallahassee, and Jacksonville are all experiencing significant snowfall and ice accumulation, causing treacherous road conditions and increasing the risk of power outages.
Forecasters predict snow accumulations of 1 to 6 inches, with localized areas receiving up to 14 inches of snow in parts of Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. In Florida and Georgia, a combination of freezing rain and sleet is expected to create hazardous driving conditions and strain on local power grids.
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Houston, a city that rarely experiences such weather, is seeing its heaviest snowfall since 2021, while New Orleans could see the largest snow event in over 15 years. The storm’s impact is being compared to the historic blizzard of 1895, which brought up to 20 inches of snow to the Gulf Coast.
Authorities have warned that travel will be “dangerous or impossible” along vast stretches of Interstate 10 and other major routes. Ice accumulation has already caused several accidents and stranded motorists in parts of Texas and Louisiana. Officials are urging residents to stay off the roads and avoid unnecessary travel.
In Atlanta, where winter weather often impacts the city, snow is expected to remain light compared to areas further south, with freezing conditions still posing risks for commuters.
Beyond the immediate travel concerns, the storm is placing immense pressure on the power grid across the Gulf Coast. Bitterly cold temperatures are expected to linger in the storm’s aftermath, with lows dipping into the teens and 20s. Energy providers are warning of potential rolling blackouts and urging residents to conserve power where possible.
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“The electrical grid in the central and eastern U.S. may be stressed as millions turn up the heat,” said Porter. “Prolonged outages could cause frozen pipes and extensive property damage.”
In response to the crisis, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency, enabling emergency prescription refills and activating the National Guard to assist with disaster response efforts. Similar measures have been taken in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, with officials working to provide warming shelters for vulnerable populations.
As the storm continues its track eastward, meteorologists warn that snow and ice could persist for several days, particularly in areas with subfreezing temperatures at night. Schools and businesses across the region have announced closures, and residents are being urged to prepare for extended disruptions.
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