A rare and deadly winter storm continued to wallop states across the Gulf Coast on Tuesday, resulting in dozens of weather-related crashes and historic levels of snow falling around New Orleans.
The death of at least five people were linked to the Arctic blast, including one in Georgia, two in Houston and two more in Austin, Texas. None of the deceased were immediately identified.
Winter weather impacts stretched from eastern Texas through the western Florida Panhandle. For many, it was a day for snowball fights and sledding.
“Kids have had an opportunity to see a part of nature here in Louisiana that we never get to see,” Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry told reporters.
But, hazardous travel conditions and life-threatening cold were expected to continue into Wednesday.
The inclement weather had suspended operations at multiple international airports and closed roads. More than 5,200 flights were delayed or canceled within, into, or out of the U.S. by the mid-afternoon. Passengers reported waiting in nightmarishly long lines at Georgia’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
“I don’t want to overreact BUT I think Atlanta’s airport created a new and weirdly specific type of hell with rapidly moving TSA lines that ultimately lead nowhere,” ESPN’s Mike Foss wrote in a social media post.
Key Points
- Two people die in Austin amid cold weather
- Deaths of two people reported in Houston area
- Georgia reports hypothermia death in critical needs patient
- New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana see most snow in 130 years
Florida just saw the heaviest snowfall in its history
14:40
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Julia Musto
Florida just saw its most snow on record. Citizens in Pensacola reported snow totals of more than 8.4 inches, and Milton reported nearly 9 inches, according to meteorologist Brooks Garner.
“These totals more than DOUBLED our previous Florida record for most snow in one event,” he wrote in a social media post.
Milton’s total was more than double the state record set in 1954.
New Orleans saw bigger storm on Tuesday than Boston has in three years
13:00
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Julia Musto
New Orleans had a bigger storm today than anything Boston has seen in almost 3 years (Feb '22)
— Eric Fisher (@ericfisher) January 21, 2025
Florida pre-treats more than 600 state-owned bridges in the Panhandle
11:00
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Julia Musto
Ahead of the winter storm, @MyFDOT has deployed snowplows, bridge deck sprayers, and de-icing equipment across North Florida. Yesterday, FDOT crews applied anti-icing products to pre-treat over 600 state-owned bridges in the Panhandle. Today, they are continuing to pre-treat…
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 21, 2025
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry says Tuesday was ‘historic and magical day'
10:00
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Julia Musto
It was “a historic and magical day,“ Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry told reporters on Tuesday.
“Kids have had an opportunity to see a part of nature here in Louisiana that we never get to see,” he said.
Preliminary snow totals reveal 10.5 inches fell in this city
09:00
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Julia Musto
Preliminary totals of snowfall in Louisiana revealed that between four and 10.5 inches had fallen across the state, with the highest in the city of Rayne.
Texas saw up to 6 inches in Pine Forest.
Timelapse shows snowfall at National Weather Service in Mobile
08:00
,
Julia Musto
❄️Timelapse of the incredible snowfall at our office today (so far). #mobwx pic.twitter.com/ApUiUmhfMB
— NWS Mobile (@NWSMobile) January 21, 2025
NOAA satellites show blue, chilly hues across the country
07:00
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Julia Musto
Brrr!
— NOAA Satellites (@NOAASatellites) January 21, 2025
Infrared imagery from @NOAA's #GOESEast (GOES-16) ️ shows a huge swath of blueish hues across much of the U.S. and Canada, indicating that the frigid temperatures on the ground rival those of the icy cloud tops. How can you tell the difference between the two? The… pic.twitter.com/dO99KAixkF
How does wind chill affect the body?
06:00
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Julia Musto
Cold weather deaths are on the rise. Climate change could make people more susceptible
05:00
,
Julia Musto
Cold weather advisory issued for Florida counties
04:00
,
Julia Musto
9AM Update | A Cold Weather Advisory has been issued for Lake, Volusia, Seminole, and Orange Counties tonight into Wednesday morning. Rainy conditions will make it particularly cold for those without adequate shelter, on top of wind chills 25-30 degrees. pic.twitter.com/ehKBCqR5sw
— NWS Melbourne (@NWSMelbourne) January 21, 2025
Alabama will see very cold temperatures as low as 5 to 15 degrees through Wednesday morning
03:00
,
Julia Musto
Florida deploys snowplows to remove snow and ice in Santa Rosa County
02:00
,
Julia Musto
FDOT crews have deployed snowplows along I-10 in Santa Rosa County to remove snow and ice from the Blackwater River Bridge. Drivers should give plows and spreaders room to work as the truck may cross the centerline and shoulders during plowing operations. pic.twitter.com/RyHDeKY9qI
— FDOT District 3 (@MyFDOT_NWFL) January 21, 2025
Heavy snow could cause near whiteout conditions over southeastern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle
01:00
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Julia Musto
1/21 2:45pm ET/1:45pm CT:
— NWS Tallahassee (@NWSTallahassee) January 21, 2025
⚠️ Heavy snow bands over the FL Panhandle into southeast AL w/ gusty winds of 25-30 mph could cause blowing snow and near whiteout conditions.
PLEASE STAY OFF THE ROADS! This could become a life-threatening situation for those stranded. #ALwx #FLwx pic.twitter.com/KbPfKl9NAx
The historic Gulf Coast winter storm will continue this week. Here’s what to know
00:30
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Julia Musto
The latest on the historic Gulf Coast winter storm and extreme cold temperatures. pic.twitter.com/c3osJOkbfi
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) January 21, 2025
Light-to-moderate snow is continuing around New Orleans
00:00
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Julia Musto
Light-moderate snow is continuing, mainly along & southeast of a line from Patterson to Hammond to Poplarville. Snow is finally tapering off to the northwest. There will still be pockets of heavier snow south of the tidal lakes & across coastal MS; hourly snow rates of 1 to 1.5" pic.twitter.com/XaPN5meQ1U
— NWS New Orleans (@NWSNewOrleans) January 21, 2025
Tampa to see cold, wet, and windy Wednesday
Tuesday 21 January 2025 23:30
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Julia Musto
The short answer for Wednesday is most of us will be experiencing a cold, wet and windy morning. For more details please see the graphic below. pic.twitter.com/Pzfr24wH1F
— NWS Tampa Bay (@NWSTampaBay) January 21, 2025
Hazardous driving conditions are expected to continue through Wednesday morning in Houston
Tuesday 21 January 2025 23:00
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Julia Musto
Hazardous driving conditions are expected to continue through Wednesday morning in Houston, Texas.
Deep snow and patches of ice were reported, as well as icing over bridges and overpasses.
Dangerous cold will continue to threaten Houston
Tuesday 21 January 2025 22:17
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Julia Musto
While the snow has stopped falling in Houston, slush and ice on the ground is expected to refreeze overnight, forecasters cautioned.
An extreme cold warning and cold weather advisory are in place.
Alabama sees greatest snowfall since 1895
Tuesday 21 January 2025 22:08
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Julia Musto
BREAKING: Mobile, Alabama has reported 5.75 inches of snow, making it the greatest snowfall since the Storm of 1895. (That one dropped 6 inches.) pic.twitter.com/CU6L0K1PvD
— Matthew Cappucci (@MatthewCappucci) January 21, 2025
Florida authorities advise residents: ‘Remember, many of us don’t have experience driving in these conditions'
Tuesday 21 January 2025 21:34
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Julia Musto
Harris County Sheriff’s Office warns roads are ‘extremely dangerous'
Tuesday 21 January 2025 21:28
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Julia Musto
Roads Are Extremely Dangerous! ⚠️
— HCSOTexas (@HCSOTexas) January 21, 2025
Stay home if possible. Due to ice and snow, road conditions are dangerous, and driving is extremely risky right now.
Please stay off the roads to ensure your safety and the safety of others. pic.twitter.com/Ckl5Dm5iS4
Dozens of weather-related crashes are reported in Louisiana
Tuesday 21 January 2025 21:26
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Julia Musto
There have been about 50 weather-related crashes in Louisiana, a state patrol officer told The New York Times on Tuesday.
That number includes someone who ran into the back of a truck spreading salt.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein warns residents against travel
Tuesday 21 January 2025 21:20
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Julia Musto
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina urges that residents avoid travel on Tuesday evening and Wednesday.
“The roads are the most dangerous place to be in a winter storm like this,” he said.
Winter storm warnings and advisories remain in effect through Wednesday in Alabama
Tuesday 21 January 2025 21:14
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Julia Musto
Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect through Wednesday morning. Road conditions across the southern part of the state have been deteriorating quickly this afternoon. Avoid travel if possible. pic.twitter.com/2VaxFOUAlR
— NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) January 21, 2025
US sees more than 2,000 flight cancelations after winter storm wallops nation leaving 220 million feeling the chill
Tuesday 21 January 2025 21:10
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Julia Musto
Atlanta airport sees hundreds of flights affected by delays and cancellations as fliers report major lines
Tuesday 21 January 2025 21:07
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Julia Musto
Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport said Tuesday afternoon that, ahead of frozen precipitation, teams had pre-treated runways.
“ATL is using 36 pieces of equipment (trucks, plows, brushes, deicing spreaders) to keep the airfield operational,” the airport wrote on social media.
But, posts from fliers painted a more chaotic picture as snow reaches the ground in the region.
One screenshot from WSB-TV appeared to show runways coated in snow, and images showed long lines, stretching out the doors of the airport. One person reported arriving hours early and still missing their flight.
Hundreds of flights there were impacted by delays and cancellations, according to WSBTV.
Mobile forecasters see nearly 5.5 inches of snow
Tuesday 21 January 2025 20:42
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Julia Musto
❄️218pm Update - Here at @NWSMobile, our official measurement is 5.4 inches. This breaks the 1-day snowfall record for Mobile of 5" (set on January 24, 1881).
— NWS Mobile (@NWSMobile) January 21, 2025
The all-time snow event record for Mobile is 6" in 1895. Given it is heavily snowing, that record is in jeopardy.
San Antonio to see very cold evening, with lows in teens
Tuesday 21 January 2025 20:38
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Julia Musto
Mostly clear and very cold tonight with lows in the teens and lows 20s across the region. Wind chills will range from the mid to upper single digits in the Hill Country to the teens elsewhere. Cold Weather Advisory continues for this cold. Protect the 4 P's of cold weather. #txwx pic.twitter.com/dpv1A755l9
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) January 21, 2025
Pensacola has seen 2 inches of snow already
Tuesday 21 January 2025 20:30
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Julia Musto
NEW VIDEO: I’m in Pensacola, Florida, near the border. Already at 2” and it’s still snowing heavy. This is a truly historic event. #Snow #Florida @spann @stormhour pic.twitter.com/K4dIdVzgZt
— Matt Devitt (@MattDevittWX) January 21, 2025
After up to 8 inches in some areas, snowfall could pick back up in New Orleans, forecasters warn
Tuesday 21 January 2025 20:27
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Julia Musto
Snowfall has slacked off north of I10/12, but could pick back up…still several more hours until we expect the system to move out completely. We’ll see!
— NWS New Orleans (@NWSNewOrleans) January 21, 2025
We have reports of up to 7”-8” in some areas between BR and NO; up to 6” in coastal MS. #lawx #mswx pic.twitter.com/O8lfo2pgj4
Georgia officials report hypothermia death
Tuesday 21 January 2025 20:20
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Julia Musto
Georgia has seen at least one death due to the winter weather, according to state officials.
A critical needs patient got outside Monday night and died of hypothermia, Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency Director Chris Stallings explained to reporters.
“Our critical patients are extremely important, our sensitive communities,” Stallings said. “If you have loved ones that are up in age, keep an eye on them.”
Jacksonville Airport will close after 8 p.m.
Tuesday 21 January 2025 20:12
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Julia Musto
Due to winter weather conditions expected to impact Northeast Florida, Jacksonville International Airport will close following the last departure this evening at approximately 8 pm. The airport is anticipated to reopen at noon tomorrow. Travelers are encouraged to check flight…
— JAXairport (@JAXairport) January 21, 2025
Photos show Florida’s palm trees, western coast coated with snowflakes
Tuesday 21 January 2025 20:00
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Julia Musto
At least two Houston-area deaths are connected with the storm
Tuesday 21 January 2025 19:44
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Julia Musto
The deaths of at least two people were connected to this week’s winter storm, according to The Houston Chronicle.
A woman driving in Harris County died when her car left its lane and crashed head-on into an oncoming 18-wheeler, according to the Harris County’s Sheriff’s Office.
On Tuesday morning, the sheriff’s office said a man who may have been homeless was found dead in a parking lot in the Katy area.
Neither individual was identified.
Houston may have just seen its most snow since 1960
Tuesday 21 January 2025 19:38
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Julia Musto
The National Weather Service estimates that between two and four inches fell on parts of Houston, according to reporting from The New York Times.
The totals appeared to be the most since 1960, when a storm brought three inches of snow. That’s the most ever officially recorded in the city.
NASA’s Johnson Space Center is covered in snow
Tuesday 21 January 2025 19:36
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Julia Musto
From Space City, with snow ❄️
— NASA's Johnson Space Center (@NASA_Johnson) January 21, 2025
We hope everyone is staying safe and warm. There's snow place like home! pic.twitter.com/4cHg8uhohe
New Orleans warming center at capacity
Tuesday 21 January 2025 19:28
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Julia Musto
NOLAREADY: Rosenwald warming center is at capacity. Individuals in need of a warm place to stay can visit Treme Center (900 N Villere).
— NOLA Ready (@nolaready) January 21, 2025
Warming centers open in Galveston County
Tuesday 21 January 2025 19:17
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Julia Musto
Stay safe and warm! Check out the warming centers in Galveston County for options during cold weather. Locations in Galveston, La Marque, Texas City, Santa Fe, and Bacliff are available. pic.twitter.com/aeoIoMNnXE
— Galveston County OEM (@galvcountyoem) January 21, 2025
Dozens of people were left stranded at Houston’s Bush Airport last night
Tuesday 21 January 2025 19:15
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Julia Musto
More than 100 passengers were left stranded at Houston’s Bush Airport on Monday night, according to Fox 26 Houston.
Flights there were suspended due to the wintry weather conditions.
New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana see most snow in 130 years
Tuesday 21 January 2025 19:08
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Julia Musto
Youngsville, Louisiana (near Lafayette) from Shelli Dubac.
— James Bryant (@KATVJames) January 21, 2025
8” so far makes this the most snow there since 1895!
Incredible gulf coast snowstorm! pic.twitter.com/AYT17IQpcE
Seeing lots of 6"+ snowfall values in a swath from Beaumont, TX to Lafayette, LA. Anything above 4" across this entire area would be the heaviest calendar day snowfall since 1895. 100 year snow event ongoing. #lawx pic.twitter.com/xx6lLKz6vZ
— victor murphy (@wxmanvic) January 21, 2025
The high end totals today won't break records from the Great Gulf Coast snow of of 1895 but for many spots this is the most snow SINCE then!
— James Bryant (@KATVJames) January 21, 2025
130 years https://t.co/ybZFUmhHqw pic.twitter.com/002JI9Fhd9
This also marks the first snow in the city in 15 years.
At least two people are dead in Austin amid frigid weather
Tuesday 21 January 2025 18:57
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Julia Musto
Austin-Travis County emergency officials have responded to more than a dozen cold exposure calls since Monday.
Those include two fatal incidents. The individuals were not immediately identified.
The Travis County Medical Examiner will investigate their causes of death.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis tells residents to stay off the roads: ‘Floridians are, by nature, not prepared for driving in ice and snow'
Tuesday 21 January 2025 18:53
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Julia Musto
We continue to prepare for a widespread winter storm, which is expected to bring snow, sleet, and ice across North Florida today and into tonight.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 21, 2025
Winter storm conditions can change rapidly, and ice accumulation from freezing rain makes hazardous driving conditions likely. If… pic.twitter.com/whDtprtnkg
Governor DeSantis Provides Updates on Winter Storm from Tallahassee https://t.co/sycgbmF676
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 21, 2025
Tallahassee Airport cancels all flights after 3 p.m.
Tuesday 21 January 2025 18:50
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Julia Musto
Update, 12:45p: Due to the inclement winter weather, commercial airlines servicing TLH canceled all flights after 3p today, 1/21. TLH will temporarily suspend operations at 4p with plans to reopen tomorrow, 1/22, at 12p. Travelers should check flight status with their airline.
— Tallahassee International Airport (@TLHAirport) January 21, 2025
Houston Zoo leopards explore the snow
Tuesday 21 January 2025 18:49
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Julia Musto
Snow day at the Zoo! ❄️ Lisa our Amur leopard is choosing to explore the snow this morning.
— Houston Zoo (@houstonzoo) January 21, 2025
All animals are healthy and doing well. During the wintery weather, our animals have access to their heated barns prepped with extra hay.
: John R., Hoofstock & Carnivore Curator pic.twitter.com/k4n9a4ZD3K
Houston school closures announced for Wednesday
Tuesday 21 January 2025 18:49
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Julia Musto
Several Houston area school districts will be closed on Wednesday as winter weather continues in the region.
School closures were announced across the South.
NOAA satellites track winter storm across Deep South
Tuesday 21 January 2025 18:38
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Julia Musto
.@NOAA's #GOESEast (GOES-16) ️ is tracking a rare #WinterStorm moving across the Deep South today. Winter Storm Warnings are up from Texas to North Carolina, including a first-ever #BlizzardWarning for some counties and parishes in Texas and Louisiana.
— NOAA Satellites (@NOAASatellites) January 21, 2025
Latest updates:… pic.twitter.com/VnHR48yyh4
Mapped: Impacts from Winter Storm Enzo stretch across the Gulf Coast and Southeast states
Tuesday 21 January 2025 18:36
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Julia Musto
Houston fire and police engage in a snowball fight
Tuesday 21 January 2025 16:42
,
Julia Musto
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