Winter storm live updates: Florida buried in record-breaking snow as ice freezes South leaving at least 13 dead
Florida saw the most snowfall in its history Tuesday, as a rare and deadly winter storm walloped the Gulf Coast and Southeast.
The heaviest snow occurred around Pensacola, where 9 inches had fallen. That’s more than double the Sunshine State’s previous record. Although the system was moving offshore, light snow was still reported in Jacksonville early Wednesday.
“It’s different seeing your hometown getting snow when you live in a beach town. But it’s really cool to see this, this once in a lifetime opportunity,” high school senior Jack Barter told the Pensacola News Journal.
Florida wasn’t the only state hit with the winter storm that has left more than 220 million Americans feeling the frigid air.
Historic levels of snow fell in Louisiana, with 8 inches measured at New Orleans International Airport.
“This breaks (by a long shot) the previous record of 2.7 inches set on December 31st, 1963,” the National Weather Service said.
The deaths of at least 13 people have been linked to the Arctic blast, including one in Georgia, two in Houston, two more in Austin, and five in Zavala County, Texas. None of the deceased were immediately identified.
Key Points
Florida receives heaviest snowfall in state’s history as beaches turn white
Mapped: Florida and Louisiana have more snowpack than South Dakota
At least 13 people have died amid dangerous cold and historic snowfall
Winter weather continues to hamper air and ground travel
Frigid temperatures and low wind chill values will linger for several days
Georgia governor warns driver about dangerous conditions
20:17 , Julia Musto
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp says his state is not yet out of the woods when it comes to dangerous road conditions.
“If you don’t need to drive, don’t. Teams are working to treat roads across the state, but keep in mind that backroads and shaded areas may take days to fully thaw,” he said in a social media post.
Jacksonville bridges reopen after multiple crashes and ice concerns
20:00 , Julia Musto
The city’s airport has also reopened.
Here’s how to stay safe on ice
19:45 , Julia Musto
NBA postpones Pelicans-Bucks game
19:30 , Julia Musto
The NBA said Wednesday that it had postponed an evening game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Milwaukee Bucks due to dangerous road conditions in Louisiana.
The game was scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. local time.
Alabama airports remain closed through Thursday
19:15 , Julia Musto
South Carolina-LSU women’s basketball game pushed after winter weather
19:00 , Julia Musto
The Southeastern Conference has postponed Thursday night’s women’s basketball game between LSU and South Carolina until Friday.
The game is set to take place in Columbia, South Carolina.
With reporting from The Associated Press
Multiple crashes reported in South Carolina amid winter weather
18:45 , Julia Musto
Alabama schools will remain closed as superintendent says there’s sure to be 'busted pipes’
18:37 , Julia Musto
An Alabama county superintendent says school closures in Baldwin County are expected to continue through the week.
“Baldwin County Public Schools will be closed for the remainder of the week,” Superintendent Eddie Tyler said in an email to parents on Wednesday.
“The snow has been beautiful and fun, but there could be a lot of problems hiding under all this snow and ice,” he said, according to WKRG. “Any busted pipes are still frozen, but when they thaw, we could have water everywhere (I am certain we will have some busted pipes). Because most Baldwin County roads will remain closed today, I can’t send personnel to inspect heating systems and food storage units. So, I’m in the blind as to what’s working and what’s not.”
Tallahassee snow is seen from space
18:30 , Julia Musto
Photos: South Carolina sees snow across its coast
18:29 , Julia Musto
Louisiana governor urges residents to refrain from driving unless absolutely necessary
18:15 , Julia Musto
Icy conditions force Georgia residents to abandon their vehicles
18:15 , Julia Musto
Shirt commemorates historic Florida storm
18:00 , Julia Musto
A new t-shirt commemorating Florida’s winter storm is raising money for people experiencing homelessness.
The shirt was released by the state’s advertising group CATECOMM.
Bridges and roads close in Florida due to car accidents and icy conditions
17:45 , Julia Musto
Over 100 vehicles were stranded in DeKalb County
17:41 , Julia Musto
More than 100 vehicles were stranded in DeKalb County, Georgia, as ice impacted roadways.
“Residents are strongly urged to avoid travel to prevent further incidents and delays,” county officials said in a news release.
South Carolina sees nearly four inches of snow
17:30 , Julia Musto
Forecasters said Wednesday that Bowman, South Carolina, had seen nearly 4 inches of snow.
Totals in other parts of the state were highest along the coast, with areas near Myrtle Beach reporting more than 5 inches.
Houston forecasters warn of icy sheets and black ice
17:15 , Julia Musto
Baton Rouge Airport Ryan Field records its coldest temperature on record
17:00 , Julia Musto
Is there any warmth on the horizon for New Orleans?
16:45 , Julia Musto
NOAA satellites capture fresh snowpack across the South
16:30 , Julia Musto
Photos show Florida’s Pensacola coated with thick white snow
16:24 , Julia Musto
Georgia residents told to shelter in place due to icy roads: ‘This is a serious situation’
16:15 , Julia Musto
Residents of Georgia’s DeKalb County were told to shelter in place and stay off ice-covered roads on Wednesday.
The county has declared a state of emergency, according to WSB-TV.
“This is a serious situation,” Dekalb County CEO Cochran-Johnson said. “We are asking for everyone’s patience and cooperation as our teams work around the clock to ensure public safety. Staying off the roads is critical—not only for your safety but to allow emergency responders to reach those in need.”
More than 110,000 customers are left without power following storm
16:10 , Julia Musto
More than 111,000 customers in Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Louisiana remained without power on Wednesday as a rare southern winter storm shifted eastward. The majority of outages were tracked in Georgia, according to PowerOutage.US.
The National Weather Service said that any power outages across the Gulf Coast and Southeast due to the winter storm would exacerbate the threat from the cold for these areas.
Frigid temperatures and low wind chill values will linger for several days
16:06 , Julia Musto
Forecasters cautioned Wednesday that cold weather and precipitation would continue Wednesday morning for the Southeast and Gulf Coast.
Heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain are expected from northern Florida to North Carolina, resulting in major travel disruptions.
Snow in the Gulf Coast has come to end, but the National Weather Service warned travel impacts may linger for several days given the “historic heavy accumulations combined with frigid temperatures” and the lack of equipment for clearing roads.
A slow recovery is expected by Thursday, as high temperatures rise between five and 10 degrees.
Winter weather continues to hamper air and ground travel
15:59 , Julia Musto
More than 3,400 flights were delayed or canceled on Wednesday morning within, into, or out of the U.S.
Tracker FlightAware showed hundreds of canceled flights in Atlanta, Houston, Charlotte, and New Orleans.
This comes as authorities have warned residents to stay off roads across the impacted region.
Thick ice covered New Orleans streets.
“NOLAREADY: Snowfall has subsided, but snow has compacted on roadways, leading to slick and icy surfaces and making travel dangerous. Please, stay off the roads,” the city’s emergency managers urged.
At least 13 people have died amid dangerous cold and historic snowfall
15:54 , Julia Musto
At least 13 people have died this week amid dangerous cold and historic snowfall from a rare southern winter storm.
Austin-Travis County emergency officials have responded to more than a dozen cold exposure calls since Monday. Those include two fatal incidents.
Georgia has seen at least one death due to the winter weather. A critical needs patient got outside Monday night and died of hypothermia, Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency Director Chris Stallings explained to reporters on Tuesday.
A woman driving in Harris County, Texas, died when her car left its lane and crashed head-on into an oncoming 18-wheeler, according to the Harris County’s Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office also said a man who may have been homeless was found dead in a parking lot in the Katy area, The Houston Chronicle reported.
And, five people were killed following a crash in Zavala County amid icy conditions, according to Uvalde County authorities.
The accident occurred on Highway 57 just before 1 a.m. on Tuesday, according to Fox San Antonio.
The individuals were not immediately identified.
James Ball, a 65-year-old Stratford, Texas, man, was killed in a Monday crash in Moore County, officials said. Ball had been traveling at an unsafe speed, according to KFDA.
Caleb Green, 37, died in a fire after using his stove for heat in Alabama’s Dale County, according to NBC News. A woman driving in the county was also killed when she hydroplaned and was ejected from her vehicle.
Mapped: Florida and Louisiana have more snowpack than South Dakota
15:45 , Julia Musto
Florida receives heaviest snowfall in state’s history as beaches turn white
15:35 , Julia Musto
Florida just saw the heaviest snowfall in its history
14:40 , Julia Musto
Florida just saw its most snow on record. Citizens in Pensacola reported snow totals of more than 8.4 inches, and Milton reported nearly 9 inches, according to meteorologist Brooks Garner.
“These totals more than DOUBLED our previous Florida record for most snow in one event,” he wrote in a social media post.
Milton’s total was more than double the state record set in 1954.
New Orleans saw bigger storm on Tuesday than Boston has in three years
13:00 , Julia Musto
Florida pre-treats more than 600 state-owned bridges in the Panhandle
11:00 , Julia Musto
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry says Tuesday was ‘historic and magical day'
10:00 , Julia Musto
It was “a historic and magical day,“ Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry told reporters on Tuesday.
“Kids have had an opportunity to see a part of nature here in Louisiana that we never get to see,” he said.
Preliminary snow totals reveal 10.5 inches fell in this city
09:00 , Julia Musto
Preliminary totals of snowfall in Louisiana revealed that between four and 10.5 inches had fallen across the state, with the highest in the city of Rayne.
Texas saw up to 6 inches in Pine Forest.
Timelapse shows snowfall at National Weather Service in Mobile
08:00 , Julia Musto
NOAA satellites show blue, chilly hues across the country
07:00 , Julia Musto
How does wind chill affect the body?
06:00 , Julia Musto
Cold weather deaths are on the rise. Climate change could make people more susceptible
05:00 , Julia Musto
Cold weather deaths are on the rise. Climate change could be a factor
Cold weather advisory issued for Florida counties
04:00 , Julia Musto
Alabama will see very cold temperatures as low as 5 to 15 degrees through Wednesday morning
03:00 , Julia Musto
Florida deploys snowplows to remove snow and ice in Santa Rosa County
02:00 , Julia Musto
Heavy snow could cause near whiteout conditions over southeastern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle
01:00 , Julia Musto
The historic Gulf Coast winter storm will continue this week. Here’s what to know
00:30 , Julia Musto
Light-to-moderate snow is continuing around New Orleans
00:00 , Julia Musto
Tampa to see cold, wet, and windy Wednesday
Tuesday 21 January 2025 23:30 , Julia Musto
Hazardous driving conditions are expected to continue through Wednesday morning in Houston
Tuesday 21 January 2025 23:00 , Julia Musto
Hazardous driving conditions are expected to continue through Wednesday morning in Houston, Texas.
Deep snow and patches of ice were reported, as well as icing over bridges and overpasses.
Dangerous cold will continue to threaten Houston
Tuesday 21 January 2025 22:17 , Julia Musto
While the snow has stopped falling in Houston, slush and ice on the ground is expected to refreeze overnight, forecasters cautioned.
An extreme cold warning and cold weather advisory are in place.
Alabama sees greatest snowfall since 1895
Tuesday 21 January 2025 22:08 , Julia Musto
Florida authorities advise residents: ‘Remember, many of us don’t have experience driving in these conditions'
Tuesday 21 January 2025 21:34 , Julia Musto
Harris County Sheriff’s Office warns roads are ‘extremely dangerous'
Tuesday 21 January 2025 21:28 , Julia Musto
Dozens of weather-related crashes are reported in Louisiana
Tuesday 21 January 2025 21:26 , Julia Musto
There have been about 50 weather-related crashes in Louisiana, a state patrol officer told The New York Times on Tuesday.
That number includes someone who ran into the back of a truck spreading salt.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein warns residents against travel
Tuesday 21 January 2025 21:20 , Julia Musto
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina urges that residents avoid travel on Tuesday evening and Wednesday.
“The roads are the most dangerous place to be in a winter storm like this,” he said.
Winter storm warnings and advisories remain in effect through Wednesday in Alabama
Tuesday 21 January 2025 21:14 , Julia Musto
US sees more than 2,000 flight cancelations after winter storm wallops nation leaving 220 million feeling the chill
Tuesday 21 January 2025 21:10 , Julia Musto
US sees more than 2,000 flight cancelations after winter storm wallops nation
Atlanta airport sees hundreds of flights affected by delays and cancellations as fliers report major lines
Tuesday 21 January 2025 21:07 , Julia Musto
Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport said Tuesday afternoon that, ahead of frozen precipitation, teams had pre-treated runways.
“ATL is using 36 pieces of equipment (trucks, plows, brushes, deicing spreaders) to keep the airfield operational,” the airport wrote on social media.
But, posts from fliers painted a more chaotic picture as snow reaches the ground in the region.
One screenshot from WSB-TV appeared to show runways coated in snow, and images showed long lines, stretching out the doors of the airport. One person reported arriving hours early and still missing their flight.
Hundreds of flights there were impacted by delays and cancellations, according to WSBTV.
Mobile forecasters see nearly 5.5 inches of snow
Tuesday 21 January 2025 20:42 , Julia Musto
San Antonio to see very cold evening, with lows in teens
Tuesday 21 January 2025 20:38 , Julia Musto
Pensacola has seen 2 inches of snow already
Tuesday 21 January 2025 20:30 , Julia Musto
After up to 8 inches in some areas, snowfall could pick back up in New Orleans, forecasters warn
Tuesday 21 January 2025 20:27 , Julia Musto
Georgia officials report hypothermia death
Tuesday 21 January 2025 20:20 , Julia Musto
Georgia has seen at least one death due to the winter weather, according to state officials.
A critical needs patient got outside Monday night and died of hypothermia, Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency Director Chris Stallings explained to reporters.
“Our critical patients are extremely important, our sensitive communities,” Stallings said. “If you have loved ones that are up in age, keep an eye on them.”
Jacksonville Airport will close after 8 p.m.
Tuesday 21 January 2025 20:12 , Julia Musto
Photos show Florida’s palm trees, western coast coated with snowflakes
Tuesday 21 January 2025 20:00 , Julia Musto
At least two Houston-area deaths are connected with the storm
Tuesday 21 January 2025 19:44 , Julia Musto
The deaths of at least two people were connected to this week’s winter storm, according to The Houston Chronicle.
A woman driving in Harris County died when her car left its lane and crashed head-on into an oncoming 18-wheeler, according to the Harris County’s Sheriff’s Office.
On Tuesday morning, the sheriff’s office said a man who may have been homeless was found dead in a parking lot in the Katy area.
Neither individual was identified.
Houston may have just seen its most snow since 1960
Tuesday 21 January 2025 19:38 , Julia Musto
The National Weather Service estimates that between two and four inches fell on parts of Houston, according to reporting from The New York Times.
The totals appeared to be the most since 1960, when a storm brought three inches of snow. That’s the most ever officially recorded in the city.
NASA’s Johnson Space Center is covered in snow
Tuesday 21 January 2025 19:36 , Julia Musto
New Orleans warming center at capacity
Tuesday 21 January 2025 19:28 , Julia Musto
Warming centers open in Galveston County
Tuesday 21 January 2025 19:17 , Julia Musto
Dozens of people were left stranded at Houston’s Bush Airport last night
Tuesday 21 January 2025 19:15 , Julia Musto
More than 100 passengers were left stranded at Houston’s Bush Airport on Monday night, according to Fox 26 Houston.
Flights there were suspended due to the wintry weather conditions.
New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana see most snow in 130 years
Tuesday 21 January 2025 19:08 , Julia Musto
This also marks the first snow in the city in 15 years.
At least two people are dead in Austin amid frigid weather
Tuesday 21 January 2025 18:57 , Julia Musto
Austin-Travis County emergency officials have responded to more than a dozen cold exposure calls since Monday.
Those include two fatal incidents. The individuals were not immediately identified.
The Travis County Medical Examiner will investigate their causes of death.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis tells residents to stay off the roads: ‘Floridians are, by nature, not prepared for driving in ice and snow'
Tuesday 21 January 2025 18:53 , Julia Musto
Tallahassee Airport cancels all flights after 3 p.m.
Tuesday 21 January 2025 18:50 , Julia Musto
Houston Zoo leopards explore the snow
Tuesday 21 January 2025 18:49 , Julia Musto
Houston school closures announced for Wednesday
Tuesday 21 January 2025 18:49 , Julia Musto
Several Houston area school districts will be closed on Wednesday as winter weather continues in the region.
School closures were announced across the South.
NOAA satellites track winter storm across Deep South
Tuesday 21 January 2025 18:38 , Julia Musto
Mapped: Impacts from Winter Storm Enzo stretch across the Gulf Coast and Southeast states
Tuesday 21 January 2025 18:36 , Julia Musto
Houston fire and police engage in a snowball fight
Tuesday 21 January 2025 16:42 , Julia Musto
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