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The US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a blizzard warning for many areas, especially in southern Louisiana and eastern Texas, where heavy snowfall is expected.
On January 21, a winter storm swept across the southern United States, from Texas to Florida, bringing heavy snow, hail and ice.
This is an extremely rare weather phenomenon for an area that is used to a warm climate.
The storm was formed by a cold air mass from Canada combined with a low pressure system filled with moisture. More than 235 million Americans were affected by this storm.
The US National Weather Service (NWS) said it had to issue blizzard warnings for many areas, especially in southern Louisiana and eastern Texas, where heavy snowfall and strong winds made visibility particularly limited.
New Orleans recorded about 18cm of snow on January 21, breaking the 1948 record for snowfall in a single day.
The blizzard, dubbed “snow apocalypse” by local media, forced the closure of New Orleans airport and canceled flights for the day. Many major roads and highways were also affected, causing traffic disruptions.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay safe and stay warm as the storm continues to impact daily life.
In Texas, the storm, which brought Arctic winds, also caused widespread disruption, especially in the southern and central parts of the state. The storm brought heavy snow and hail, forcing many areas to close due to dangerous travel conditions.
In Houston, Texas’ largest city, snowfall totals ranged from 7 to 15 centimeters. Roads across Texas, including major stretches of Interstate 10, were closed due to hazardous conditions. Many schools, government offices, and businesses were closed; more than 2,100 flights were canceled at airports in Texas and surrounding areas.
This rare weather phenomenon caught many Texans off guard, as the region is typically known for its mild winters instead of heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures.
Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency in affected areas, highlighting the storm's health hazards, including the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
The United States experienced 27 separate extreme weather disasters in 2024, with at least 568 people killed by such events, with total damage exceeding $182 billion, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
TH (according to VNA)