HEAVY snow has fallen in Florida, covering beaches in the south as a winter storm wreaks havoc across the United States.
Millions of Americans have been urged to stay indoors after a blizzard warning was issued for the first time ever in multiple southern states.
The blizzard warning is in effect across Florida, Central Louisiana, and Houston – where one of the largest ports in the world has been forced to close.
It comes as videos on social media showed snow falling in the Sunshine State – a rarity for the typically warm region.
The most snowfall ever recorded in Florida history was four inches, which fell in Milton in 1954.
Multiple inches of snow were expected in the state from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday.
Texas and Louisiana, meanwhile, saw 7 inches of snow and stunning photos showed it covering beaches in Galveston, Texas, and Mississippi.
New Orleans saw at least five inches of snow, while parts of Acadiana reported as much as 10 inches fallen by noon on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles.
Forecasters in Louisiana said the rare whiteout has already exceeded some predictions for the maximum amount of snowfall.
St. Bernard Parish issued a curfew order due to the snowy conditions.
Law enforcement officials will enforce the curfew beginning at 6 pm on Tuesday until noon on Wednesday.
“This curfew is in place to ensure everyone’s safety and to allow emergency crews to work effectively,” the St. Bernard Parish Government said on X.
Officials urged drivers to stay off the road unless “absolutely necessary.”
The snow, sleet, and freezing rain in the southeast are part of a “generational winter storm event,” the National Weather Service warned on Monday.
The snowfall has brought chaos to areas like Tallahassee and parts of Alabama as the notoriously hot regions are unprepared for icy weather.
All roads and bridges in Mobile County, Alabama, were considered impassable, sparking a warning that it was safer to stay inside.
Meteorologists and city leaders also warned the snow could cause issues for days since many southern cities don’t have snow plows.
“I hope everyone is safe and warm at home with a big pot of gumbo,” Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said on X before urging drivers to stay off the roads.
The Houston Police Department also warned against traveling.
“The roadways are going to be completely impassable. Do not roll the dice, stay off the ice,” HPD’s Captain Reece Hardy said in a video.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire said officials are doing “everything we can to prepare for this winter storm.”
“We will be here to keep you safe and respond to emergencies, but we need your help,” he said, urging people to stay indoors.
“We don’t want you to risk your life or jeopardize the safety of our police officers and firefighters if they have to rescue you when you could have stayed home,” Whitmire said.
“Our first responders must remain focused on critical incidents as conditions worsen.”
Later on Tuesday, Port Houston announced its facilities would remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
It came after vessel operations were halted and container terminal truck gates shuttered on Monday night.
Houston saw about three to four inches of snow fallen by Tuesday afternoon – the most in a generation.
TRAVEL CHAOS
The snowstorm hit nearly a dozen states in The Sun Belt area, halting travel from major hubs.
Houston’s airports George Bush Intercontinental and Hobby are closed in the face of the extreme weather.
Nearly 1,000 flights have been canceled at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Tuesday, according to FlightAware.
Pensacola International Airport closed entirely and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport shuttered at noon.
SNOW SHOCK
Southerners shared their stunned reactions to the rare snowflakes falling in the Sunshine State.
“For the first time in history, we actually have a blizzard warning in Northwest Florida,” one Floridian said on X.
“It just started snowing in Pensacola.”
“It may be snowing in Florida but it’s definitely snowing on the gulf coast of Texas!” another user wrote on X.
Source : https://www.the-sun.com/news/13348804/florida-snow-blizzard-texas-alabama/