Historic Snowstorm Hits Gulf Coast, Setting Records Across the South of US
For much of the Gulf Coast, the snowstorm, which is expected to end soon, has been a once-in-a-lifetime event. Many areas experienced more snow than they have seen in at least 130 years.
Starting with Florida, the state recorded its highest snowfall ever, with a preliminary total of 8.8 inches (22.35 cm) observed in Milton, north of Pensacola. This is the most snow recorded in Florida's history, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Snowfall Across Other Southern States
In Houston, Texas, snow reports from the last 24 hours indicate about 1.2 inches (3.05 cm) at the city's George Bush Intercontinental Airport, which is considered the official total. However, southeastern parts of the city received over 4 inches (10.16 cm). The NWS described this as “one of the top snowstorms to impact the Houston area.”
In Louisiana, Baton Rouge recorded 7.6 inches (19.3 cm) of snow, New Orleans saw 8 inches (20.32 cm), and Lake Charles reported at least 4.8 inches (12.19 cm), with some areas receiving up to 6 inches (15.24 cm). Lafayette experienced the highest snowfall in the state, with 9 inches (22.86 cm). The previous highest snowfall total in New Orleans was 2.7 inches (6.86 cm) on New Year's Eve in 1963.
Other notable records include Mobile, Alabama, with 7.5 inches (19.05 cm) and Pensacola, Florida, with 7.6 inches (19.3 cm), curiously both all-time records for those cities.
Snowfall continues to accumulate along the coastal Carolinas, Georgia, and northern Florida. Coastal North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia have reported around 5 inches so far. North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has recorded 3.8 inches, with snowfall still ongoing in some areas.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(722x610:724x612)/florida-snow-012125-2-ff61ca177722466daf8dbf517b008137.jpg "Florida's signboard covered in snow. Photo: People.com.")
Florida's signboard covered in snow. Photo: People.com.
When the Snowstorm Will End?
The snow was initially expected to end by 7 a.m. along the East Coast, exiting cities like Charleston, South Carolina, and Wilmington, North Carolina. However, the storm has lingered longer than anticipated.
Rain will continue across the Florida peninsula throughout the afternoon, moving south and eventually clearing to Miami. Lingering spot showers are expected in Florida through the evening and into Thursday.