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A rare winter storm is sweeping across the Gulf Coast, bringing snow, sleet, and freezing rain to areas unaccustomed to such weather. The storm is expected to produce near-record or record-breaking snowfall in parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and southeast Texas. For the first time, the National Weather Service in Lake Charles issued a blizzard warning for portions of southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana due to strong winds and heavy snow reducing visibility.
Road conditions have rapidly deteriorated, leading to highway closures and canceled flights. Portions of major highways, including I-10 and I-12, are closed, and all flights to and from New Orleans are grounded. Governors in Louisiana, Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama have declared states of emergency, and many schools have canceled classes.
The storm is expected to scatter heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain throughout Tuesday (January 21), with snow accumulation continuing into the afternoon. In Louisiana, officials urge residents to stay off the roads and prepare for dangerously low temperatures and a hard freeze Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Lows are expected to dip into the mid-teens on the north shore and low 20s south of Lake Pontchartrain.
Residents are advised to prepare for prolonged indoor stays, as power outages and icy conditions may persist through Thursday. Officials recommend staying updated with weather alerts and avoiding travel unless absolutely necessary.
The storm is expected to bring historic snowfall of three to six inches along the Interstate 10 corridor, including cities like Houston, New Orleans, and Mobile. Forecasters warn that subfreezing temperatures could threaten sensitive vegetation and exposed plumbing.
Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana advised residents to finalize preparations and monitor virtual.la.gov for updates. The state is preparing for widespread icy roads and compromised water systems, with the National Guard ready to assist if needed.