An unprecedented January snowstorm has brought parts of the U.S. Gulf Coast to a halt, blanketing regions unaccustomed to such extreme winter weather. Houston and New Orleans were nearly immobilized earlier this week, and on Wednesday, Florida’s Panhandle experienced snowfalls more typical of northern cities like Chicago.
The National Weather Service reported up to 4 inches (10 cm) of snow, sleet, and freezing rain across northern Florida, southern Georgia, and southeastern South Carolina. In Milton, Florida, near Pensacola, snowfall reached 9 inches, potentially breaking the state’s all-time snowfall record.
Officials have urged residents to remain indoors as the storm continues to impact transportation and infrastructure across the region.
