HOUSTON – A powerful and deadly winter storm swept across the South, bringing snow to the region, including Houston, for the first time since February 2021. The rare bout with wintry weather dumped heavy snow and sleet in Houston and other communities in southern Texas, causing a variety of impacts on travel and prompting forecasters to issue the first-ever Blizzard Warning for portions of the Gulf Coast.
The storm first struck southwestern Texas early Tuesday morning, leading to a crash involving “several fatalities” east of La Pryor, according to Uvalde County Constable Emmanuel Zamora. The incident was reported just after midnight.
As the storm moved across the region, it combined with ferocious winds to produce blizzard-like conditions, triggering a rare Blizzard Warning for Gulf shore staples like Port Arthur and Beaumont, stretching into southwestern Louisiana. This marks the first-ever Blizzard Warning for Louisiana and southeastern Texas.
Snow totals ranged from 2-4 inches across the greater Houston area, with William P. Hobby Airport receiving 3 inches, making it the most snow in one day since January 30, 1949, when 3.1 inches fell.
Numerous crashes have been reported across the region, including several that have closed local roads and highways. The Texas Department of Transportation warned that travel was not safe due to the hazardous road conditions.
Classes were canceled at schools and universities, and hospitals canceled outpatient appointments. Both Houston Hobby and Intercontinental airports were closed at midnight Tuesday morning and remained so as of midday Tuesday, leaving over 100 passengers stranded in the terminal overnight.
The storm brought a rare and much-needed reprieve for the region, which is typically known for its warm subtropical climate. Residents in Houston took advantage of the snow, with many sharing photos on social media of their winter wonderland. However, the storm also brought serious concerns for those using generators to power and heat homes, with the Houston Fire Department receiving at least 60 calls for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide sickness.
As the snow has moved out, the region will now face a frigid night, with temperatures dropping into the teens and wind chills reaching as low as 7-18 degrees. An Extreme Cold Watch is in effect for much of southwestern Texas, including Houston and Galveston, from Tuesday night through Wednesday morning. Temperatures will slowly moderate through the week.