A unusual winter storm swept across areas of the southern and eastern United States on Tuesday, prompting weather experts and government organizations to issue health and power loss warnings.
The National Weather Service warned of heavy snow, freezing rain, and a major winter storm in a forecast released early Tuesday. “A bitterly cold airmass will remain in place for much of the South and eastern U.S. over the next couple of days,” the agency said.
Forecasters predicted that most places will see temperatures 20 to 30 degrees below the January average, prompting some states to declare emergencies. In certain areas of the Midwest, the temperature is expected to drop to single digits.
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“Many record lows are possible Wednesday morning, especially along the Gulf Coast and into the Tennessee Valley,” according to the weather agency.
Officials have issued uncommon warnings, more typical of those in the North, in response to the potentially historic storm. In order to prevent pipes from freezing, people have been advised to stay away from travel and make sure their automobiles are winterized.
Additionally, officials issued warnings about “long-lasting power outages” and ice buildup that might bring down power lines and trees. In south and southeast Texas, a transmission emergency notice was issued by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas.
In the Gulf Coast region, where severe winter weather is uncommon, a low pressure system and Arctic air could produce a “historic snowfall,” according to the weather service.
Houston and New Orleans could see up to 6 inches of snowfall, while Georgia, the Carolinas, and northern Florida might see a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow further east. Up to 4 inches of snow might fall in certain areas of southwestern Georgia and Alabama.
According to the weather agency, storms may cause flight cancellations and “major highway and air traffic disruptions, including possible road closures” that might linger for several days. “Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia,” the service advised.
According to a weather service post on X, sleet and snow showers have already formed throughout Houston. North of the Houston metro region, temperatures dropped as low as 25 degrees on Tuesday.
At midnight, flight operations were paused at Houston’s two main airports, Hobby Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport. As of early Tuesday, almost 1,800 fights were canceled in the United States, with around 400 delays, according to FlightAware, a flight-tracking company.
Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana issued a state emergency declaration on Saturday and advised residents not to go outside.