Many people are affected.
Weather officials and public agencies issued health and power outage warnings Tuesday as a rare winter storm swept through parts of the southern and eastern United States. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of a bitterly cold air mass lingering across the region for the next few days, with the potential for heavy snow, freezing rain, and widespread disruptions. Temperatures are forecast to be 20 to 30 degrees below average, with some areas in the Midwest expected to experience single-digit temperatures.
Several states have declared emergencies due to the storm’s intensity, which is expected to bring record-low temperatures, particularly along the Gulf Coast and in the Tennessee Valley. The NWS warned of possible historic low temperatures on Wednesday morning and emphasized the importance of winterizing vehicles and preparing homes to prevent frozen pipes.
The storm is also expected to cause significant power outages and hazardous road conditions. Ice accumulation could bring down trees and power lines, leading to long-lasting outages. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas issued an emergency advisory for transmission in the south and southeast of the state. The Gulf Coast, an area typically not exposed to harsh winter conditions, could see historic snowfall due to a combination of Arctic air and a low-pressure system.
Houston and New Orleans are expected to see up to 6 inches of snow, with freezing rain and sleet spreading into Georgia, the Carolinas, and northern Florida. Areas of Alabama and southwest Georgia may receive up to 4 inches of snow. Officials have urged the public to stay off the roads, cover exposed skin to avoid frostbite, and prepare for possible flight cancellations and major disruptions to air and road travel.
As of early Tuesday, over 1,800 flights were canceled, with nearly 400 delays across the U.S. Both of Houston’s main airports suspended operations, and Louisiana’s governor advised residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary. The storm has prompted emergency declarations in multiple states, and cold weather warnings extend across the Midwest, with wind chills in some regions reaching dangerously low levels that could lead to frostbite within 30 minutes. The NWS also warned of potential record-breaking cold temperatures in several states, including Missouri, Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama.
