The Gulf Coast is digging out from a rare and unforgettable snowstorm that swept through states from Texas to Florida. It shut down airports, made roads dangerous, and brought freezing temperatures that many people in the area have never experienced before. Tragically, at least 11 lives have been lost due to this powerful storm and the bone-chilling cold that followed.
In Dale County, Alabama, a house fire claimed one life when someone left their stove on to keep warm. Another person in the county lost their life in a car accident, according to local officials. In Georgia, a person succumbed to hypothermia, while in Austin, Texas, two more people were found dead in the cold.
Southwest of San Antonio, Texas, icy roads led to a devastating accident when a tractor-trailer collided with other vehicles, killing five people, as reported by the Texas Department of Safety. Meanwhile, in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, a 71-year-old man tragically passed away while shoveling snow, according to local authorities.
This storm was historic, dumping more snow on certain cities than they’ve seen in over a century. In Florida, Milton, a town northeast of Pensacola, recorded an unbelievable 9.8 inches of snow—the most snow Florida has ever seen. Nearby Pensacola also broke its all-time record with 8.9 inches.
Texas saw its first-ever blizzard warning during this storm. In Beaumont, a city near the Gulf Coast, a record-breaking 5.2 inches of snow fell. Over in Mobile, Alabama, residents woke up to 7.5 inches of snow, the most the city has ever recorded. Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was blanketed with 7.6 inches, while New Orleans saw 8 inches—the most snow the city has experienced since 1895.
The cold isn’t over yet. On Thursday morning, an extreme cold warning was issued for areas stretching from Mississippi to the Florida Panhandle. Temperatures are expected to plunge as low as 12 degrees in some places along the Gulf Coast. In Louisiana, state climatologist Jay Grymes pointed out that it hasn’t been this cold in over 100 years.
Although the snow is melting in many areas, the lingering freeze is still a serious concern. Joe Donahue, from Louisiana’s Department of Transportation and Development, is urging people to avoid traveling unless it’s absolutely necessary.
The good news is that warmer weather is on the horizon. Many of the hardest-hit areas are expected to see temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s by Sunday, offering some much-needed relief after this extraordinary winter storm.
