A historic winter storm is set to blanket the Gulf Coast in rare heavy snowfall and ice, impacting millions from Texas to Florida. Cities like Houston, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Pensacola, unaccustomed to such conditions, are bracing for unprecedented weather. Governors have declared states of emergency, airports are closing, and residents are being urged to stay indoors as the region prepares for a storm that could rewrite weather records.

• A rare winter storm is expected to bring 1 to 6 inches of snow to Gulf Coast cities, including Houston, New Orleans, Pensacola, and Baton Rouge.
• Governors in Louisiana and Florida have declared states of emergency, while Houston has suspended flight operations.
• The storm could impact 55 million people, with temperatures dropping 20 to 40 degrees below average.
• New Orleans, which hasn’t seen record-able snowfall since 2009, is under a blizzard warning, as winds reach 25 mph.
• The storm’s aftermath could bring freezing rain to coastal Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
• Many people along the Gulf Coast have never seen snow in their lives and are looking forward to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see snow accumulate on the ground.
• The snowfall could potentially cover areas of the Gulf of America, as rare low temperatures support icy conditions in the traditionally tropical waters.
• The white, sandy beaches spanning Gulf Shores, Alabama to Panama City Beach, Florida could be blanketed by a glaze of snow and ice.

A region unprepared for winter’s wrath

The Gulf Coast, known for its humid subtropical climate, is no stranger to extreme weather — hurricanes, flooding, and tornadoes are common. But blizzard like conditions? That’s a different story. The Gulf Coast is lucky to see snow flurries in a given decade, let alone see snowfall that sticks to the ground.

Because of this, the region lacks the infrastructure and resources to handle heavy snowfall, making this storm particularly dangerous. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry emphasized the gravity of the situation at a news conference: “It is extremely important to stay off the road. Unless you absolutely need to be on the road, stay at home and stay warm.” Most people in the area don’t own coats, snow shovels, or plows and are not prepared.

New Orleans, a city that last saw measurable snowfall in 2009, is under a winter storm warning. Forecasts predict up to 6 inches of snow in parts of Louisiana and Texas, with other Gulf Coast states expecting a lighter dusting. Interstate 10, a critical artery connecting New Orleans to the Florida Panhandle, is expected to face moderate snowfall, complicating travel for thousands.

Emergency measures and widespread impact

State and local governments are scrambling to prepare. Louisiana’s Department of Transportation and Development has stockpiled 400,000 pounds of salt to treat roads and bridges. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency, urging residents to prepare for icy conditions. Residents are advised to bring their pets indoors for safety.

The storm’s reach extends beyond the Gulf Coast. Coastal Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina are expected to face freezing rain as the storm moves north. Meanwhile, the Florida Peninsula, from Pensacola to Apalachicola is bracing for accumulating snowfall and potential for freezing rain and sleet.

The cold snap accompanying the storm and wind is equally alarming. Approximately 214 million people from Texas to central Florida are under cold alerts, with temperatures expected to drop 20 to 40 degrees below average. In some areas, this could mean below-freezing conditions lasting more than 24 hours, raising concerns about burst pipes, sprinkler systems, and other cold-related damage. This storm could also cause significant damage to fruit trees and other tropical vegetation. Homeowners are scrambling to protect their tropical plants with tarps and frost covers, but it may not be enough.

This is truly a storm for the history books.

Sources include:

NYPost.com

FoxWeather.com

13NewsNow.com