A rare winter storm is walloping Gulf Coast states on Tuesday, bringing dangerous travel conditions and bitter cold.
More than 3,500 flights were delayed or canceled within, into, or out of the U.S. by mid-morning - and major airports, such as in Houston, temporarily suspended their operations.
The major metro warned its residents to be safe and stay off roads so that first responders could travel easily on icy roads.
“My grandkids are excited about seeing snow, and as mayor, I am taking the city’s safety seriously despite all the anticipation. Please continue to stay home, don’t risk your safety, and leave the roads for our first responders,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire urged at a Monday press briefing.
The storm has left more than 46,000 customers in the Lone Star state without power.
Georgia declared a state of emergency and schools closed in states across the country. In New Orleans, this could be the biggest storm in a lifetime, according to forecasting company AccuWeather.
The Arctic air is expected to bring historic snowfall, with rates of an inch an hour or more possible from eastern Texas through the western Florida Panhandle.
Winter Storm Enzo bears down on the Gulf Coast
- Thousands of flights are canceled and tens of thousands of Texas customers are without power
- Dozens of locations have ice on roads around Houston as bus and rail lines are suspended
- Southeast Texas sees up to four inches of snow
- Heaviest snow in New Orleans expected to start at 11 a.m.
Lake Charles issues first-ever blizzard warning for Jefferson and Orange Counties
16:49
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Julia Musto
NWS Lake Charles has issued it's first ever Blizzard Warning for Jefferson and Orange counties as well as Cameron, Calcasieu, Jeff Davis, Acadia, Vermilion and Lafayette parishes until noon today. pic.twitter.com/JlyJpIxRcw
— NWS Lake Charles (@NWSLakeCharles) January 21, 2025
Louisiana governor urges residents to stay off roads
16:47
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Julia Musto
STAY OFF THE ROADS!
— Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) January 21, 2025
If you must leave your home, please monitor the @La_DOTD and your local governments for the latest on road closures, incidents, and other alerts. #lawx #lagov@GOHSEP | https://t.co/6LCWJOKUVu
DOTD | https://t.co/E5xvxmIClE pic.twitter.com/81jTUgSF0B
Heaviest snow in New Orleans expected to start at 11 a.m.
16:44
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Julia Musto
NOLAREADY: Snowfall has started with the heaviest snowfall expected between 11 AM & 6 PM. Snow is unlikely to melt quickly. Stay off the roads. https://t.co/AyuRn38guC
— NOLA Ready (@nolaready) January 21, 2025
Houston fire and police engage in a snowball fight
16:42
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Julia Musto
❄️Snowball fight! ❄️
— City of Houston (@HoustonTX) January 21, 2025
This doesn’t happen very ofen. Some of our @HoustonFire and @houstonpolice first responders are enjoying the snow between calls.
Please continue to stay off the roads, and stay warm and safe at home. pic.twitter.com/t8ZuFGVrFK
Galveston County emergency officials say Galveston Island saw gusts up to 50mph last night
16:38
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Julia Musto
Roadway Update:
— Galveston County OEM (@galvcountyoem) January 21, 2025
Bridges and Overpasses are iced over, crews are continuously treating where necessary. Avoid driving today, conditions on the roadways are dangerous.
Expect a Hard Freeze tonight.
Follow along here for more updates. Stay Safe, Stay Warm, Stay Informed
Southeast Texas sees up to four inches of snow
16:35
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Julia Musto
Southeast Texas saw as many as four inches of snow by 10 a.m. on Tuesday, according to Houston forecasters.
The local National Weather Service said it had measured approximately 2 inches at its office.
Here's the current snow totals for SE Texas as of 10 AM. These are estimated from automated weather stations and airport observers. We've measured ~2" here at our office too. If you've measured more snow in any given spot, send us those reports! #TXwx #HOUwx #Houston pic.twitter.com/GACw33Xv8D
— NWS Houston (@NWSHouston) January 21, 2025
Harris County sheriff’s office rescues babies suffering from cold-related injuries
16:28
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Julia Musto
This morning, @HCSOTexas received a 911 call located at 12062 Veterans Memorial Drive. The caller reported an adult female and two babies were laying on the sidewalk. Deputies responded and determined the babies were 2.months old and 1 year old.
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) January 21, 2025
1/2 pic.twitter.com/gelXR9Ekyh
Dozens of locations have ice on roads around Houston as bus and rail lines are suspended
16:24
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Julia Musto
More than 55 locations were found to have ice on the roads, according to a traffic map from the city’s transportation department.
56 locations with ice on the roadway. Stay off the roads! https://t.co/yGcxe08AsX
— Houston OEM (@HoustonOEM) January 21, 2025
The inclement weather also resulted in the suspension of all METRO Houston bus services on Tuesday. Rail lines were also suspended or operating on modified routes.
• METROLift is providing only life-sustaining trips.
— METRO Houston (@METROHouston) January 21, 2025
• Bus and Park & Ride are not operating.
• HOV Lanes are closed.
• Customer service is operational from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call or text: 713-635-4000.
Sign up for alerts and check for updates: https://t.co/zBmZpSISeY (2/2)
Houston fire officials advise residents to be aware of sources of carbon monoxide after dozens of calls related to sickness
16:19
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Julia Musto
With freezing temperatures across Houston, be aware of carbon monoxide (CO) sources in your home. Symptoms of CO poisoning can include headache, nausea, shortness of breath, and vomiting. If you suspect CO poisoning or a leak in your home, dial 911. #COSafety #COAwareness pic.twitter.com/uG6EgObcKr
— Houston Fire Dept (@HoustonFire) January 21, 2025
We’ve seen more than 60 calls for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide sickness today. Our @HFDChiefMunoz urges Houstonians to stay safe and stay off the roads during this arctic blast. pic.twitter.com/ofSEWFmfsy
— Houston Fire Dept (@HoustonFire) January 20, 2025
Houston police warn residents to stay off snowy roads
16:16
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Julia Musto
❄️ Snow continues to fall, creating dangerous and unsafe driving conditions. If possible, avoid traveling and stay off the roads.
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) January 21, 2025
Stay home. Stay safe. Stay warm. #houwx#HouNews pic.twitter.com/4LgBVChvL0
A rare and dangerous winter storm is bearing down on the Gulf Coast and Southeast
16:14
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Julia Musto
A rare and dangerous winter storm is bearing down on Texas and the Gulf Coast this week, bringing dangerous travel conditions and power outages for tens of thousands of customers.
As of mid-morning, more than 3,500 cancelations and delays were reported at airports across the country, with hundreds in Houston and New Orleans, according to tracker FlightAware.
And, some 46,000 Texas customers were left without power, according to outage tracker PowerOutage.US, amid the bitter cold.