A rare winter storm is bringing heavy snow, sleet and ice to Texas and the northern Gulf Coast

Key Points

  • A rare winter storm is affecting Texas and the Gulf Coast, causing significant disruptions including flight cancellations and road closures.
  • The storm brings heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain, with the first blizzard warning issued for southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana.
  • States of emergency declared in several states, with schools closed and travel warnings issued due to hazardous conditions.
  • Historic snowfall expected in areas unaccustomed to such weather, with potential for power outages and damage to infrastructure.
  • The cold snap is part of a larger Arctic blast affecting much of the Eastern U.S., with dangerously low wind chills and record lows possible.

Summary

A severe winter storm sweeping through Texas and the northern Gulf Coast has led to widespread disruptions, including the closure of highways and airports, and the issuance of the first blizzard warning for southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. The storm, characterized by heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain, has caused nearly 2,000 flight cancellations and over 10,000 delays across the U.S. States of emergency were declared in Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, with schools closing and residents urged to stay off the roads due to the hazardous conditions. The storm's impact extends from Texas to North Carolina, with expectations of historic snowfall in regions where such weather is rare. The cold weather, part of an Arctic blast, has also affected the Eastern Seaboard, leading to indoor inaugurations and school closures due to extreme wind chills. This weather event, originating from a disruption in the polar vortex, has prompted concerns about infrastructure damage, particularly in areas like Houston where temperatures could drop low enough to freeze pipes.

cnbc
January 21, 2025
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