For the first time in history, the Gulf Coast of the United States faced a blizzard warning, as a monumental winter storm slammed the region, blanketing cities from Texas to Florida with snow and ice. Houston, usually bustling with energy, resembled a “ghost town” as snow covered its streets, and the usual hum of traffic was replaced with the eerie quiet of winter’s bite.
This rare storm not only caused massive disruption but also turned beaches into winter wonderlands. Areas such as San Antonio and Houston, Texas, were buried under inches of snow, and even the sandy shores of the Gulf Coast were dusted white. While snow south of Interstate 10 has occurred in the past, this level of snowfall is a once-in-a-lifetime event, making it a historic weather phenomenon for the region.
As the snowstorm raged, states like Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi declared a state of emergency. Schools across the region closed their doors, and businesses temporarily shut down to ensure public safety. The heavy snow was accompanied by thundersnow near Lafayette, Louisiana, where the phenomenon, characterized by snow mixed with thunder, echoed through the streets on Tuesday morning.
By 2 p.m. CDT, the snow totals were staggering Layfayette had recorded 9.5 inches, with nearby Rayne seeing 10.5 inches. Alabama and Mississippi were not spared, with up to 4 inches of snow falling in some areas. The storm quickly turned deadly as icy roads led to a tragic crash on Highway 57 near Batesville, Texas, claiming several lives. The impact of the storm was evident as snow caused chaos on highways and city streets.
As the storm advanced, a blizzard warning was issued for southwestern Louisiana and southeastern Texas, a significant first for the Gulf Coast. According to meteorologist Jesse Ferrell, this was the first blizzard warning ever for the region. A blizzard, characterized by sustained winds of 35 mph or greater and snow limiting visibility to less than a quarter mile, had the Gulf Coast bracing for more harsh conditions.
By Tuesday afternoon, the snow reached as far as Pensacola, Florida, and New Orleans saw snowfall that exceeded expectations. The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport recorded a staggering 5 inches of snow, the highest accumulation in decades, making it the biggest snowstorm in the city since 1948. This marked the first time measurable snow had fallen in New Orleans since 2009.
While the winter storm may have brought chaos and danger to the region, for many it was a moment of wonder. In Houston, as the day progressed, the streets began to fill with people stepping outside to witness the rare sight. For some, it was their first-ever encounter with snow, a memory that will likely stay with them for a lifetime. The sight of snow on the Gulf Coast’s iconic beaches, with the ocean as a backdrop, was a stunning juxtaposition of nature’s unpredictability and beauty.
As the storm moves on, areas like Louisiana, Florida, and North Carolina continue to brace for more snow, with up to 6 inches expected in some parts. The Gulf Coast, usually known for its warmth and sunshine, has experienced a dramatic shift, leaving residents with memories of an unforgettable winter event.
