rare and deadly winter storm It moved across the southern United States on Tuesday, bringing record snowfall and canceling travel for millions of Americans in Louisiana. texas And Florida.
“I was born and raised in New Orleans,” Ian Spooner told CBS News. “I can count on one hand how many times it’s snowed, but I’ve never seen it like this.” As of Wednesday morning, the city had 10 inches of water on the ground. The last time it snowed in New Orleans was in December 2004, when only half an inch of snow fell, according to the National Weather Service.
At least four weather-related deaths have been reported. Two people have died from the cold in Austin, Texas, city officials confirmed Tuesday night. Two people also died in Dale County, Alabama, the county coroner’s office told CBS News.
Most of the southeast lies directly below Winter weather advisorywith blizzard warnings in effect for some areas, here’s how the cold and windy conditions are impacting the region.
Snowfall map
CBS News meteorologist Jessica Birch said 4 to 8 inches of snow fell across southern Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle.
Some areas of the Panhandle received more than half a foot of snow, shattering long-standing snow records. CBS Miami reported..
“This storm is unprecedented in its breadth and scope. There is nothing to compare it to,” NEXT Chief Meteorologist Ivan Cabrera said. “This will go down in history.” 2025 Gulf Blizzard. ”
CBS News
CBS News
In Louisiana, Chalmette experienced a record snowfall total of over 11 inches. New Orleans and several other communities received 10 inches.
There are various snow reporting sites within New Orleans, but the earliest records from a now-defunct electrical substation report 10 inches of snow in 1895 and 14.4 inches in 1909. . Another reporting site at New Orleans International Airport reported snowfall in 1948, with the previous highest snowfall record being 2.7 inches in 1963. I mean, no one living in this area has ever seen this much snow. snow.
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Videos posted by residents on social media showed not only the amount of snow, but also the speed at which it was falling. Due to unprecedented and wild conditions, the National Weather Service issued its first-ever blizzard warning for southern Louisiana on Tuesday.
A blizzard warning is issued when wind gusts in excess of 35 mph are expected to occur frequently in the area and snow can significantly reduce visibility.
CBS News
Winter weather advisories and winter storm warnings were issued Tuesday for parts of Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and the Carolinas.
CBS News
Plane delayed due to snow
At least 400 flights were delayed and another 350 canceled by midday Tuesday, according to aviation tracking company FlightAware. Airports in Houston and New Orleans were closed due to snow accumulating at their entrances.
A New Orleans Aviation Commission spokesperson said the automatic doors were shuttered to prevent them from opening or closing during dangerous weather events.
Michael DeMocker/Getty Images
Tallahassee International Airport in Florida canceled all flights after 3 p.m. and suspended operations until at least noon Wednesday. The state’s governor, as well as the governors of Georgia and Louisiana, have all declared states of emergency in the hardest-hit areas.
Nicky Nolan contributed to this report.