A winter storm moving through the southern United States has tragically led to multiple fatalities in a car accident on an icy highway in Texas. Schools are shut down, snow is accumulating, and freezing temperatures are widespread as the storm progresses from Texas through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and into Florida. The system has been named Winter Storm Enzo by The Weather Channel. The storm has brought snow, ice, and strong winds to various parts of the South, affecting over 40 million people under winter weather alerts. Stay updated with the latest developments below, and for a forecast on what to expect next, visit our Enzo forecast page.
**Snowfall Forecast Across the South**
As of 2:38 p.m. ET, we are tracking the anticipated snowfall for major cities across the South, extending through tomorrow. Cities such as Houston, New Orleans, and even Florida are expected to see snow.
**Orange Beach, Alabama, Blanketed in Snow**
At 2:32 p.m. ET, Orange Beach, Alabama, known for its sandy shores, is currently under a blanket of snow. A post on social media describes it as “History in the making.”
**Travel Disruptions Across the South**
As of 2:26 p.m. ET, roads and airports are closing down due to the storm. Travelers are advised to stay informed about the forecast. More than 2,100 flights have been canceled across the country today, with additional delays reported. Several airports have already shut down or are operating with limited traffic.
**Why Winter Storms are Named**
The Weather Channel assigns names to winter storms to raise awareness of the potential dangers they pose. Storms are named when significant snow and/or ice are expected to impact at least one region, potentially leading to hazardous travel conditions, power outages, and tree damage. Learn more about the naming criteria and view this year’s list of winter storm names.
**Florida Panhandle Records Snowfall**
At 1:49 p.m. ET, snowfall has reached the Florida Panhandle. Winter Storm Enzo is forecasted to bring an additional 3-5 inches of snow before the event concludes, potentially breaking records. Witnessing snow on Florida beaches will be a memorable event.
**Historic Snowfall in New Orleans**
As of 1:43 p.m. ET, New Orleans International Airport reported 4 inches of snow, marking the heaviest snowfall in airport records dating back to 1948. However, the all-time record in New Orleans stands at 8 inches in February 1895.
**Tallahassee International Airport Closure**
At 1:36 p.m. ET, Tallahassee International Airport in Florida has announced the cancellation of all commercial flights after 3 p.m. ET today, with operations suspended until at least noon on Wednesday. Tallahassee is under a winter storm warning, with precipitation expected to intensify later in the afternoon.
Record Snowfall Likely in Florida, Alabama Roads Impassable, Unusual Snow in Louisiana, Texas Plows Deployed
A record snowfall event is predicted for parts of the Florida Panhandle, potentially breaking the current 24-hour snowfall record of 4 inches set back in 1954. Meanwhile, roads in Escambia County, Alabama, are deemed impassable, leading to the closure of schools and government offices. In an unusual sight, a blue heron navigates through snow in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as Winter Storm Enzo causes chaos. Houston, Texas, faces challenges in snow removal due to the rarity of snowfall, prompting the deployment of plows by the Texas Transportation Department. Beyond, Mobile, Alabama, issues a Public Safety Alert urging motorists to stay off roads due to heavy snowfall. Snow even reaches Galveston beaches in Texas, and significant snowfall totals are reported in various locations across Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
**Deadly Crash in Icy Texas**
A local official in Zavala County, Texas, has reported that there are multiple fatalities following a crash near a bridge on Highway 57 in southwest Texas. The incident occurred around 12:45 a.m. local time, with weather conditions hindering a medical helicopter from reaching the scene, as mentioned in a Facebook post by Uvalde County Constable Emmanuel Zamora. Although the highway was temporarily closed, it has now been reopened after several hours.
**Power Outages Surge Across Texas**
Over 47,000 customers are currently without power in Texas, predominantly clustered along the Gulf Coast. Hidalgo County has the highest outage count, exceeding 18,000 according to PowerOutage.us. For tips on surviving a cold-weather power outage, see our recommendations.
**Houston Covered in Rare Snowfall**
Meteorologist Chris Dolce describes the snowfall in Houston as “very unusual, rare, and potentially historic.” Snowfall totals range from 3 to 4 inches in Houston and peak at 4 to 6 inches in Southeast Texas. This event is likely to be memorable for years to come.
**Houston Space Center Closed Due to Cold**
Space Center Houston has been closed for Tuesday and Wednesday due to the storm, leading to the cancellation of all tours and experiences on the premises. Updates on the closure can be found on their website.
**Schools and Cities Impacted Across the South**
School closures or early dismissals are occurring in several Florida counties and Alabama districts, as well as in Houston and New Orleans. Hazardous snow and ice conditions have led to shutdowns and delays in various regions.
**Intense Snowfall Hits Louisiana**
Video footage captures near-blizzard conditions in southern Louisiana, with palm trees swaying in heavy winds amidst a backdrop of snowfall at the New Orleans Lakefront.
**National Weather Service Excitement in New Orleans**
Meteorologists from the National Weather Service in New Orleans share a video expressing excitement as snowfall intensifies in the city, prompting school closures and advisories to avoid road travel.
**Snow Forecast Across Southern States**
Forecasts predict several inches of snow from southeast Texas to Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Locations may experience significant snowfall, with bands of heavier snow potentially resulting in up to half a foot of accumulation.
**Historic Snowfall in New Orleans**
If snow accumulation surpasses 2.7 inches in New Orleans, it will mark the most significant snow event since 1963. The city’s record snowstorm occurred in February 1895, with 8 inches of snowfall. Winter Storm Enzo could rank among Lake Charles, Louisiana’s top five snow events.
**Record Snowfall and Travel Disruptions Across Southern U.S.**
As Winter Storm Enzo sweeps through the Gulf Coast and Southern states, record snowfalls and icy conditions have brought travel chaos and closures to several cities.
Lafayette Regional Airport in Louisiana has been forced to shut down all flights on Tuesday due to snow and ice on the runways. The airport urged passengers to check with individual airlines for the latest updates on their flights. The city of Lafayette is under an unusual blizzard warning until noon local time, with predictions of up to 4 inches of snowfall.
In Houston, Texas, more than 55 areas of ice have been reported on major roadways, leading to road closures including all lanes of I-69 and I-45 Gulf. The snow and ice have made driving conditions treacherous, prompting authorities to warn residents to stay off the roads.
Winter Storm Enzo has already left its mark on Lake Charles, Louisiana, where nearly 2 inches of snow has blanketed the city. Southern parishes in Louisiana have declared a state of emergency in anticipation of the storm’s impact.
Meanwhile, Houston’s schools and airports have taken precautions by closing their doors to students and travelers. The Houston Independent School District announced closures for today and tomorrow, while the city’s major airports suspended operations, resulting in the cancellation of over 1,300 flights.
New Orleans is bracing for significant snowfall, with major interstates expected to close as conditions deteriorate. Residents have been warned against unnecessary travel as the city prepares for potentially hazardous road conditions.
In a rare occurrence, Lake Charles finds itself under its first-ever blizzard warning, emphasizing the severity of Winter Storm Enzo. The National Weather Service has issued alerts for parts of Louisiana and Texas, with strong winds expected to cause blowing snow and dangerous travel conditions.
As the storm progresses, residents are advised to stay updated on alerts and road closures to ensure their safety and well-being during this extreme weather event. Winter Storm Enzo continues to impact communities across the Southern U.S., leaving a trail of record snowfalls and disruptions in its wake.
