HEAVY snow has fallen in Florida, covering beaches in the south as a winter storm wreaks havoc across the United States. A blizzard warning was issued for the first time ever in multiple southern states, with millions of Americans urged to stay indoors.
Heavy snowfall was reported in Florida, with multiple inches expected to fall from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday. The most snowfall ever recorded in Florida history was four inches, which fell in Milton in 1954. Texas and Louisiana saw 7 inches of snow, with stunning photos showing it covering beaches in Galveston, Texas, and Mississippi. New Orleans saw at least five inches of snow, with parts of Acadiana reporting as much as 10 inches fallen by noon on Tuesday.
Forecasters in Louisiana said the rare whiteout has already exceeded some predictions for the maximum amount of snowfall. The St. Bernard Parish issued a curfew order due to the snowy conditions, with law enforcement officials enforcing the curfew from 6 pm on Tuesday to noon on Wednesday to ensure everyone’s safety and allow emergency crews to work effectively.
The snowfall brought chaos to areas like Tallahassee and parts of Alabama, with the region unprepared for icy weather. All roads and bridges in Mobile County, Alabama, were considered impassable, with a warning that it was safer to stay inside. Meteorologists and city leaders warned that the snow could cause issues for days since many southern cities don’t have snow plows.
The Houston Police Department and the city’s mayor urged drivers to stay off the roads, with officials saying the roadways would be completely impassable. The Port of Houston was forced to close, with vessel operations halted and container terminal truck gates shuttered on Monday night.
The snowstorm has affected nearly a dozen states in the Sun Belt, halting travel from major hubs. Houston’s airports, George Bush Intercontinental and Hobby, were closed due to the extreme weather. Over 1,000 flights were canceled at George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Tuesday.