A historic snowstorm swept across the southern United States on Tuesday, blanketing regions unaccustomed to such extreme winter weather. Cities like Houston, New Orleans, and Mobile saw record-breaking snowfall, challenging long-standing historical records. Astonishingly, Florida’s Panhandle recorded more snow than Anchorage, Alaska, as this storm shattered expectations across the Gulf Coast.
Snowfall Records Tumble
In a rare twist, Florida, Louisiana, and Alabama experienced unprecedented snow totals. Pensacola, Florida, recorded 8.9 inches of snow, surpassing Anchorage’s 3.8 inches this winter. Milton, Florida, set a new state record with 9.8 inches, obliterating the previous mark of 4 inches set in 1954. The sight of snow-covered beaches along Florida’s Gulf Coast created surreal landscapes and left locals in awe.
Louisiana also made history. The town of Grand Coteau reported 13.4 inches of snow, potentially breaking the state’s 24-hour snowfall record of 13 inches set in 1960. Lafayette and Rayne added to the record books with 9.5 and 10.5 inches, respectively. New Orleans saw 8 inches of snow its highest total since records began in 1948 transforming the vibrant city into a winter wonderland.
A Deadly and Costly Storm
Tragically, the storm claimed at least 11 lives across the central and eastern United States, including five fatalities in Texas due to icy road conditions. States of emergency were declared in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi as schools, businesses, and travel came to a standstill.
AccuWeather estimates the economic toll of this storm to be between $14 and $17 billion. The disruption to supply chains and shipping logistics, coupled with extended business closures, underscores the storm’s far-reaching impact. AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter remarked, “This has been the worst winter storm to hit the Gulf Coast in decades.”
Rare Blizzard Conditions
For the first time in recorded history, a blizzard warning was issued along the Gulf Coast. Southwestern Louisiana and southeastern Texas were particularly affected, with heavy snow and strong winds creating hazardous conditions.
Mississippi and Alabama’s Unusual Winter
Mobile, Alabama, set a new snow record with 7.5 inches, while Babbie, Alabama, reported an astounding 11 inches. Gulfport, Mississippi, also saw measurable snow for the first time in over a decade, underscoring the rarity of this event.As temperatures remain low, recovery efforts across the South are expected to be slow. The storm’s aftermath highlights the vulnerability of southern states to extreme winter weather and the need for preparation as such events become increasingly unpredictable.
This unprecedented snowstorm will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most extraordinary weather events in Gulf Coast history.
