The southern United States is reeling from the effects of a historic winter storm, which delivered record-breaking snowfall across multiple states from Florida to Texas. Beginning on January 28, 2025, the storm created unexpected challenges as it brought snow to areas unaccustomed to such weather, including New Orleans, which experienced its first measurable snowfall since 2009. With the storm described as something seen "only once in a generation" by FOX Weather Meteorologist Britta Merwin, communities are grappling with the aftermath.
New Orleans was one of the hardest-hit areas, receiving up to eight inches of snow, which vastly exceeded its previous snow record of 2.7 inches. Schools were closed, travel restrictions were imposed, and major roads saw disruptions. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry stated, "This creates a very dangerous situation, not only for travel but for people, pipes, pets and plants." This sentiment echoed throughout the region, where road and air travel came to a halt. At Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, most flights were canceled as snow accumulation crippled the city.
Florida also faced extraordinary weather conditions, with the Florida Panhandle receiving over eight inches of snow — more than doubling the state’s previous record of four inches set back on March 6, 1954. Reports indicated significant accumulations, with Milton recording 8.8 inches. The intensity of the storm forced officials to shut down nearly 70 miles of Interstate 10, from the Alabama state line to Crestview, because icy conditions caused numerous vehicle crashes.
Throughout the storm's path, Texas cities were also impacted, with Houston receiving four inches of snow. For the first time, Lake Charles, Louisiana, was issued a blizzard warning. This weather event disrupted not only public transportation but also everyday life, resulting in several fatal accidents, particularly around La Pryor, Texas, where icy conditions led to tragedy.
The storm was fueled by deep Gulf of Mexico moisture combined with cold arctic air, resulting in considerable snowfall across the South. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed New Orleans's eight inches marked its snowiest day in more than 100 years but noted it was not the most significant winter storm ever recorded for the area. That title belongs to the winter of February 14-15, 1895, when 8 to 10 inches were reported.
Mobile, Alabama, also broke snowfall records, reporting its heaviest accumulation since 1895, with official figures indicating around 7.5 inches but estimates of up to 20 inches likely occurring due to wind and other impacting factors. This accumulation was enough to coat the usually sunny beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with snow.
Despite the chaos, reports suggest there is still uncertainty about the exact snowfall totals across cities as verification processes continue. Social media has flooded with unofficial claims of 5 to 12 inches of snow along the Interstate 10 corridor, especially from Pensacola, where total accumulations appear set to rival New Orleans as the highest recorded.
Meanwhile, the southern winter storm disrupted grocery supply chains as residents prepared for the storm, leading to panic buying. Stores throughout cities like Atlanta ran out of bread, milk, and other essentials as people stockpiled for potential extended disruptions. Schools across the region also announced closures, recognizing the danger of travel amid hazardous conditions.
The storm has set snow records across multiple states; nearly 53% of the country was covered with snow following the storm, with areas like northern Mississippi and Alabama seeing greater accumulations than traditionally snowier states farther north. Travel chaos numbers soared, particularly at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, where thousands of flights were canceled as conditions deteriorated.
Although the storm has now passed, forecasters insist the impact will be felt for days. With temperatures expected to remain below average, many areas will have to deal with the aftermath of poor driving conditions and damaged infrastructure. Warming shelters have been opened across regions affected by the storm to help those displaced by severe winter conditions.
This unusual winter storm has left many questioning the changing climate patterns and whether such events will become more common. For now, residents across the southern U.S. are left to cope with the aftermath of this historic weather event, one filled with both challenges and community responses likely to unite for the clean-up. The memory of the snowman made on the streets of normally warm New Orleans will surely last for many years to come.
With the weather changing and more storms predicted, local authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and to prepare adequately for future snow and winter weather.