Winter Storm Enzo is causing rare snow and ice along the Gulf and Southeast coasts, disrupting travel and leading to record snowfall in some areas. The storm is producing snow and ice in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, the Florida panhandle, and Georgia. Not all the wintry precipitation shown on radar is reaching the ground, and snow has even been reported in Florida. The highest snowfall total so far is 10.5 inches in Rayne, Louisiana, with thundersnow reported nearby. Snow has accumulated up to the water in the Gulf.
In New Orleans, moderate snow is falling with wind gusts exceeding 35 mph. Near-blizzard conditions have been reported at the city’s airport, with at least 8 inches of snow accumulation – the heaviest since 1948. Mobile, Alabama, has also broken records with 5.4 inches of snow, surpassing a record dating back to 1881.
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings and advisories from Louisiana to parts of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. These alerts indicate dangerous travel conditions due to snow, ice, and wind. Snow, ice, and gusty winds will continue to affect the Gulf Coast region Tuesday into Tuesday night, with near-blizzard conditions possible near the coast.
Precipitation will continue as snow and a wintry mix along and north of Interstate 10, with uncertain snow and ice amounts forecasted for Georgia and the Carolinas. Snow accumulations of a few inches to possibly half a foot are expected in southern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, and northwest Florida.
Overall, Winter Storm Enzo is causing significant disruptions and hazardous travel conditions along the Gulf and Southeast coasts.
Wintry Weather Sweeps Across Southern U.S.
As snow and ice threaten the southern United States, residents from Georgia to Texas are bracing for potentially hazardous conditions. The forecast calls for significant snowfall in central and southern Georgia, extending into the Carolinas, with uncertainty lingering over the northern extent of accumulation in areas like Atlanta.
Even minimal snow accumulation could lead to dangerous travel conditions, prompting caution among drivers and residents alike. The threat of icy conditions looms over northeast Florida and southeast Georgia, raising concerns about potential power outages due to falling tree branches.
In Louisiana, Lake Charles may be in for a historic snowstorm, with projections hinting at the possibility of it ranking among the city’s top five heaviest snowfalls in history. However, surpassing the all-time record of 22 inches set back in 1895 remains a lofty goal. Meanwhile, Florida’s 24-hour snowfall record of 4 inches could be at risk as the wintry weather system moves through the region.
As of late Tuesday morning, reports indicated up to 4 inches of snow in the Houston metro area, with flurries even reaching Galveston. Further south, Brownsville, Texas, experienced an unusual snowfall, highlighting the extent of the wintry conditions. Notably, south Texas grappled with up to a quarter inch of ice accumulation, leading to scattered power outages.
The prevailing weather pattern driving these wintry conditions is a familiar setup as late January transitions into the latter half of winter. Arctic air has swept across much of the central and eastern U.S., penetrating deep into the southern states. This influx of cold air sets the stage for snow and ice events along the Gulf Coast.
Simultaneously, a weak low-pressure system over the Gulf of Mexico is aiding in lifting moisture northward, resulting in the formation of snow and ice in the region. This convergence of frigid air and moisture is a classic recipe for wintry precipitation, creating challenges for residents unaccustomed to such conditions.
Jonathan Belles, a seasoned meteorologist and writer for weather.com, sheds light on the intricacies of the weather phenomena unfolding across the southern U.S. With a keen eye for tropical weather systems and a passion for covering high-impact events, Belles brings a wealth of experience to his analyses. A proud alumnus of Florida State University and St. Petersburg College, his dedication to weather reporting shines through in his insightful contributions to The Weather Channel en español.
As communities from Georgia to Texas prepare for the wintry onslaught, vigilance and preparedness are paramount in navigating the challenges that lie ahead. Stay tuned for further updates as the weather system evolves, and remember to prioritize safety and caution in the face of Mother Nature’s unpredictable temperament.
