A rare winter storm affecting millions in the Southern U.S., blanketing cities with snow and ice.
A rare winter storm is blanketing the Southern U.S., impacting over 220 million people. States from Texas to South Carolina are facing dangerous weather, with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures leading to cancelled flights, emergency declarations, and widespread disruptions. The storm, expected to last from late Monday into Wednesday, has prompted warnings for hazardous road conditions and an unusual winter storm watch in northern Florida, potentially leading to snowfall in all 50 states for the first time since 2010.
This week, the weather is taking a truly wild turn, and it’s got everyone buzzing! A rare winter storm is sweeping through the Southern United States, with more than 220 million people feeling the icy grip of Mother Nature. From snow as far south as Florida to freezing rains all the way over to the Gulf of Mexico, this is one storm you won’t want to underestimate!
Dangerous winter weather is expected to blanket Southern cities stretching from Texas to South Carolina. Starting late Monday and lasting into Wednesday morning, expect snowfall, icy roads, and possibly some major disruptions to travel plans. The governors of Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi have already declared states of emergency to help prepare for the storm’s impact.
Over in Texas, the authorities are in high gear, mobilizing resources to address the threatening snow. Did you know that Arkansas has even sent 12 dump trucks with snowplows to help Louisiana? Talk about Southern hospitality! As the storm moves in, officials are advising residents to stay off the roads, keep their water running to prevent pipes from freezing, and to check their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. And a big heads-up: using stoves for heat is a no-no!
According to weather experts, many residents have never encountered this unique combination of bitter cold and significant snowfall in their lifetime, especially in a region where warm weather is more the norm. This is being dubbed a generational winter storm event, so it’s vital to stay safe and prepared.
Take a look at the airport scene: more than 1,700 flights have already been canceled for Tuesday, with major airports in Houston closing for the day. And let’s not forget about the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where crews are pretreating roads and airfield surfaces in anticipation of the storm. They are even keeping the Emergency Operations Center active throughout the event!
As late as now, snow is expected to affect areas along the Interstate 10 and Interstate 20 corridors. That could mean some major road closures, so be cautious! In fact, schools across states including Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia are either closed or shifting to online classes. NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston will also be closed due to this challenging weather.
Historical low temperatures driven by Arctic air have caused temperatures to dip 20 to 30 degrees below normal from the Canadian border all the way down to Mexico. It’s so chilly that in some northern regions, the wind chill has plummeted to an astonishing 57 degrees below zero. Southern cities like Houston, Atlanta, Jackson, and Memphis are bracing for it too, with high temperatures struggling to stay above freezing! This isn’t just a little chill; record lows not seen since the 1930s are on the way.
Snow and mixed winter weather are set to kick off in Central Texas before moving southeast throughout Tuesday. Accumulating snow is expected from southeast Texas through southern Louisiana and into parts of Georgia and coastal South Carolina. Totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected, though there could always be higher amounts in certain areas—imagine Baton Rouge and New Orleans waking up to this white wonderland after so many years without snow!
In fact, New Orleans hasn’t seen measurable snow since 2009, and the last time it recorded significant snowfall was way back in 1963—talk about a blast from the past! Some areas may even face blizzard-like conditions, leading to potential whiteout scenarios, which could be dangerous.
As you can see, winter storm warnings and advisories are in effect across several Southern states. With the dangerous cold and multiple snowstorms hitting, the American Red Cross has reported shortages in blood donations as many are hunkering down. Authorities are warning of the risks for power outages, downed trees, and frozen pipes that can lead to further complications during this weather.
Finally, in a surprising twist, a winter storm watch has been issued for northern Florida for the first time in 11 years. If Florida does see measurable snow, it would mean all 50 states could potentially receive snowfall for the first time since 2010. Let’s hope everyone stays safe and warm throughout this chilly adventure!
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