A major winter storm swept across the southern United States on Tuesday, bringing record-breaking snowfall and brutally cold temperatures to regions unaccustomed to such extreme weather. In Louisiana, the storm triggered the state’s first-ever blizzard warning, marking a rare event for an area typically known for its mild winters. The National Weather Service in Lake Charles issued the warning, expecting snow combined with gusty winds of up to 35 mph, leading to visibility of only a quarter of a mile or less. Meteorologist Stacey Denson described the conditions as “pretty crazy,” noting whiteout conditions, though the storm slightly improved later in the day.
By noon CDT, the blizzard warning had expired for Louisiana, but a winter storm warning remained in effect until Wednesday. More than 30 million people across the South were under snowstorm warnings, stretching from southern Texas to Virginia. In Houston, authorities reported two deaths linked to the storm, including one involving a homeless man found near an apartment complex.
In Lafayette, Louisiana, Mayor Monique Blanco Boulet urged residents to stay home for the next few days, stressing the city’s lack of snowplows and specialized snow equipment. “We’re prepared for hurricanes, but this is different,” Boulet stated. As the storm progressed, areas along the I-10 corridor in Louisiana received up to 10 inches of snow, while parts of southeastern Texas saw up to 6 inches. Snowfall in Mississippi and Alabama exceeded 4 inches in some locations.
The cold front’s grip was expected to last until Thursday, causing hazardous road conditions that could persist for several days. Snow and ice were forecasted to continue affecting the Gulf Coast, including Florida, an area that hasn’t seen such conditions in decades. In neighboring Arkansas, snowplows were sent to assist Louisiana in clearing roads.
In addition to the South, other regions of the U.S. experienced temperatures 20 degrees below normal, while Southern California faced new challenges with high winds and dry conditions fueling fire risks.
