In January 2025, a rare winter storm swept through parts of the Deep South, leaving residents astonished as snow covered areas that hardly ever see it. This extraordinary event brought record-breaking snowfall and freezing temperatures to cities like Atlanta, Houston, New Orleans, Gulf Shores in Alabama, Milton and Pensacola in Florida, and Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. For some places, it was the first snow they’d seen in decades, while others shattered long-standing weather records. This storm was a reminder of how extreme weather can impact our lives and how crucial it is to have reliable tools like NOAA satellites to track and predict these events.
NOAA satellites played a big role in helping meteorologists keep an eye on the storm as it unfolded. Their advanced technology provided vital information that made forecasting this unusual winter weather possible.
The GOES East satellite captured real-time images of the Arctic air mass as it moved into the South. This air mass collided with warm, moist air from the Gulf, creating the perfect recipe for snow. With its advanced sensors, GOES East allowed meteorologists to see how the storm developed, monitor cloud cover, and estimate how much snow and rain were likely to fall.
At the same time, NOAA’s JPSS satellites provided detailed atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, and cloud properties. This information gave forecasters a better understanding of what was happening in the atmosphere, helping them accurately predict the extreme cold and snowfall in areas where this kind of weather is rare.
The snowfall reports were remarkable. Atlanta, Georgia, received 3.2 inches of snow—more than its annual average of 2.2 inches. In Houston, Texas, 3 inches of snow fell at Houston Hobby Airport, a rare sight for the city. New Orleans saw 8 inches of snow at Louis Armstrong International Airport, while Gulf Shores, Alabama, recorded 8.8 inches.
In Florida, Milton experienced between 9 and 10 inches of snow, possibly breaking a state record, while Pensacola’s airport measured 8.9 inches. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, got around 4 to 5 inches, with nearby Conway reporting 6 inches. These totals were significant for regions where snowfall is a rare event, let alone in such large amounts.
This storm showed just how vital NOAA’s satellite technology is for predicting extreme weather. Thanks to GOES East’s real-time imagery and JPSS’s in-depth data, meteorologists were able to provide accurate warnings, giving people time to prepare and stay safe.
As we face more unpredictable weather, NOAA satellites remain essential for tracking storms, Arctic cold snaps, and even tropical systems. Their insights help protect lives, homes, and communities while empowering people to make informed decisions when severe weather threatens.
