Four Dead from Cold as a Historic Winter Storm Hits the South
At least four people have died due to the extreme cold that is gripping much of the southern U.S., triggered by a once-in-a-generation historic winter storm. Two deaths are being investigated in Austin, Texas, as suspected cold-related fatalities, although the causes are not confirmed. Additionally, an individual in Georgia succumbed to hypothermia, and an 80-year-old man in Milwaukee fell outdoors, leading to his death. Authorities warn that the cold remains a significant threat, with temperatures plummeting to dangerous levels across the region.
Historic Snowfall Records and Blizzards Along the Gulf Coast
A historic winter storm is sweeping through the Gulf Coast, where snow is falling from southeast Texas to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. In New Orleans, eight inches of snow was recorded at the Louis Armstrong Airport, surpassing the city’s previous record from 1963. Snow is even blanketing the white sand beaches of Orange Beach, Alabama, a rare sight for residents. The National Weather Service has issued the first-ever blizzard warning for parts of southern Louisiana and eastern Texas as the combination of heavy snow and strong wind gusts creates perilous whiteout conditions.
Record-breaking snowfall has been observed across various states. Mobile, Alabama, has seen more than five inches of snow, shattering a 143-year-old record. In Florida, Molino recorded a snowfall of at least 5.5 inches, breaking the state’s long-standing snow record from 1954. With temperatures remaining dangerously low, authorities are urging people to stay indoors and avoid traveling, as road conditions are treacherous.
Travel Chaos and School Closures Across the South
As the storm rages on, widespread travel disruptions have occurred. More than 2,300 flight cancellations have been reported, with major airports in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida closing due to the inclement weather. Along with air travel, parts of Interstate 10, a major thoroughfare along the Gulf Coast, are closed, and school districts across the region have canceled classes or moved to online learning. States of emergency have been declared in Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi, while Texas has mobilized resources to manage the crisis.
The storm has affected not only transportation but also basic services, with officials advising residents to take precautions such as keeping faucets running to prevent pipes from freezing. While the storm has caused significant disruptions, some residents have embraced the rare snowfall, with one Louisiana school principal celebrating the event as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. However, as the storm continues to unfold, authorities remain on high alert, urging everyone in its path to take it seriously and stay safe.
