A rare and powerful winter storm swept across the U.S. Gulf Coast this week, bringing a rare and unprecedented Florida snowfall and frigid temperatures to Gulf coast states unaccustomed to such severe winter weather. The storm, which began on January 20, 2025, led to significant disruptions, including road closures, power outages, and at least ten fatalities. Three days later, Florida still isn’t through with the effects of the storm with some roads still blocked.
Record-Breaking Snowfall and Road Closures
The National Weather Service reported record-breaking snowfall across the region. Milton, Florida, recorded 9.8 inches, more than doubling the state’s prior record. Mobile, Alabama, received 7.5 inches, surpassing its previous record of 6 inches set in 1895. New Orleans experienced up to 10 inches of snow, far exceeding its previous record of 2.7 inches from 1963. In Lafayette, Louisiana, 10.5 inches of snow fell, approaching the state record.
In Louisiana, the Department of Transportation and Development closed a 128-mile stretch of Interstate 10 from Iowa in Calcasieu Parish to Baton Rouge due to icy conditions. This section includes the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, a critical east-west route. Similarly, Florida authorities shut down over 200 miles of Interstate 10 from the Alabama state line to Exit 192 at the U.S. 90 junction in Gadsden County, citing lingering snow, ice, and anticipated freezing temperatures. The Florida Department of Transportation urged residents to stay off the roads, stating, “With conditions changing rapidly and bringing unexpected circumstances, stay put and off the roads for your safety. Remember to heed all local and state guidance.”
Despite the challenges of the Florida snowfall, residents embraced the rare snowfall with creativity and enthusiasm. In Tallahassee, Florida, children and adults transformed boogie and skim boards into sleds to navigate the snow-covered hills. New Orleans residents engaged in snowball fights, ice hockey on Canal Street, and sledding using unconventional items like cookie sheets. Corice Saunders, a retired teacher from New Orleans, built a Mardi Gras-themed snowman, using pickles for eyes due to limited supplies. She remarked, “This is the most significant snowfall I’ve seen in my lifetime here.”
Local officials also shared their astonishment. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry both expressed amazement at the snowfall, noting its rarity and the sense of community it fostered. Governor Landry stated, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime event for many of us. It’s incredible to see our communities come together and make the best of this unusual situation.”
The storm’s impact extended beyond recreational activities. The heavy snowfall and icy conditions led to the closure of major highways, including Interstate 10, causing significant disruptions to transportation. Most flights in and out of Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport were canceled, and the game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks on January 22 at the Smoothie King Center was postponed. The snow and ice also caused disruptions in education, with schools around the state closed for up to three days.
Tragically, the severe weather conditions resulted in at least ten fatalities. In Texas, three people died due to exposure, and five lost their lives in a car crash attributed to icy roads. Alabama reported two deaths: one from a car accident and another from a house fire caused by an unattended stove left on for warmth. Officials have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid travel as the frigid conditions persist.
Meteorologists attribute this unusual weather pattern to an Arctic polar vortex, allowing cold air to penetrate further south than typical. As the Gulf Coast begins to warm next week, residents will be left with memories of a rare event that brought both challenges and a unique sense of excitement. The National Weather Service has indicated that while temperatures are expected to rise gradually, the region should remain prepared for potential future cold snaps.
