January, 22, 2025-04:37
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A historic snowstorm is expected to impact a wide stretch from Texas to Florida
A historic snowstorm is sweeping across a 1,000-mile stretch of the U.S., from central Texas to northern Florida, bringing heavy snow and ice. Meteorologists from AccuWeather have warned that this could be the most significant snow and ice storm in more than a century for parts of the western and northern Gulf Coast, and one that could be remembered for decades. The storm is expected to disrupt travel for several days and cause widespread power outages in some areas, prompting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency for 61 counties. This storm could break records, including Florida's all-time highest 24-hour snowfall of four inches.
For the first time ever, a blizzard warning has been issued for southeast Texas and southern Louisiana, including Lake Charles, LA, where wintry weather is already being observed. As of 7am CST Tuesday, Lake Charles had recorded nearly two inches of snow, with up to four inches expected by noon. Snow and ice accumulation is also impacting Texas, especially in Houston, where officials have identified over 55 icy spots on major roadways. The storm is projected to move eastward throughout the day, bringing snow, ice, and strong winds to southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, Georgia, and the coastal Carolinas. The storm has already brought significant snowfall to areas of Texas and Louisiana, including Bourbon Street in New Orleans, pictured here on January 21, 2025.
Winter storm warnings have been issued for a wide region, extending from the southern Gulf Coast states to the Florida panhandle and southeastern Carolinas. These warnings are issued when heavy snow is expected, with a forecasted rate of at least six inches in 12 hours or eight inches in 24 hours, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The NWS has also issued winter weather advisories for a narrower region, covering southeastern and south-central Texas to southeastern Virginia. These advisories indicate more moderate impacts, such as a snowfall rate of three to five inches over 12 hours, a wintry mix, and/or blowing snow.
Major cities under alert include Houston, New Orleans, Tallahassee, parts of the Atlanta metro area, and Charleston, South Carolina. New Orleans is preparing for potentially its highest snowfall total since 1963, when 2.7 inches were recorded. The current forecast calls for five to eight inches, and if more than eight inches fall, it would break the city's all-time snowfall record from 1895. To manage the worsening conditions, city officials plan to shut down major highways, including Interstates 10, 310, and 510, as well as ramps to US 90 and elevated bridges.