Deadly Cold Snap Brings Snowy Weather to the South
A winter storm descended across the southern U.S. on Tuesday, leaving record-setting snow totals and halting travel for millions of Americans in Louisiana, Texas, and Florida.
The city of New Orleans saw 10 inches of snow, the most it has ever seen in recorded history. The last time the city saw snow was in December 2004, when it received just half an inch.
At least nine weather-related deaths have been confirmed around the region.
The storm brought heavy snow to other parts of the South as well. Southern Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida's Panhandle all received 4 to 8 inches of snow, while some areas in the Panhandle recorded over half a foot.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the town of Milton, near Pensacola, set a new statewide snow record with 8 to 9 inches on the ground.
The state of Louisiana also saw record-breaking snow totals, with the city of Chalmette receiving over 11 inches. Other communities in Louisiana, including New Orleans, received 10 inches of snow.
The storm led the National Weather Service to issue its first-ever blizzard warning for southern Louisiana on Tuesday.
Travel Disruptions
The storm caused major travel disruptions, with at least 2,572 flights delayed and 2,039 more canceled by midday Wednesday. The Houston and New Orleans airports were shut down as snow piled at the entrances.
The Tallahassee International Airport in Florida also canceled all flights after 3 p.m. Tuesday and suspended operations until at least noon on Wednesday.
The governors of Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana have all declared a state of emergency for the hardest-hit areas.
Historic Snowfall
The snowfall in the South was historic, with many areas seeing more snow than they have ever seen before. The storm will go down in history as the 'Gulf Blizzard of 2025.'
The snow has caused widespread power outages and road closures. Residents are being urged to stay home and avoid travel if possible.
The storm is expected to move out of the South by Thursday, but the cold temperatures will remain.