US deep freeze: Winter storm grips South in rare snowfall

Turkey's biggest city of Istanbul was hit by a heavy snowstorm over the weekend. PHOTO: AFP

A rare winter storm swept across the U.S. Gulf Coast on Tuesday, shattering snowfall records in regions where flurries are a rarity. The storm brought freezing temperatures and disruption to much of the United States, leaving millions of people in a perilous deep freeze.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a snowstorm warning for 31 million residents spanning southern Texas, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia, with conditions expected to persist until Wednesday morning.

In Houston, Texas, roads remained coated in snow as crews worked to clear highways on Tuesday. Downtown streets, typically bustling, were eerily empty.

The city, which rarely experiences such weather, closed schools on Tuesday and Wednesday in anticipation of up to 4 inches (10 cm) of snow.

“I’ve been in Texas my entire life and I have never seen this depth of snow,” said Ishan Bhaidani, 29, a Houston resident and fintech consultant. “It typically gets more icy but this type of fine snow, this is a first.”

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Authorities in Houston are investigating two deaths that could be linked to the weather, including a homeless man found near an apartment complex, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

New Orleans, Louisiana, saw nearly 9.8 inches (25 cm) of snow by late afternoon, breaking a potential record set in 1895 when 8 inches fell. “Stay home and stay off the roads,” urged New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell in a video message on X, as heavy winds blew snow in her face.

Meanwhile, Mobile, Alabama, recorded over 6 inches (15 cm) of snow by late afternoon, surpassing a 144-year-old record. The storm was expected to extend its grip over Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida in the coming days.

Air travel across the region was severely disrupted. Over 1,000 flights at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport were cancelled on Tuesday, according to Flightaware.com.

Temperatures plunged into single digits Fahrenheit, well below freezing, prompting warnings from forecasters and local officials. Residents were advised to guard against frostbite and protect water pipes from bursting amid the intense cold.

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Adam Mosadioluwa