Gulf Coast Prepares For Rare Winter Storm That Could Dump Record Snowfall

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A rare winter storm is bringing snow and ice to states along the Gulf Coast and up through the Carolinas. In addition to the winter weather, the system is causing record-low temperatures that are 20 to 30 degrees below normal.

The governors of Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi have declared states of emergency, warning residents to stay off the road and avoid any unnecessary travel.

"The combination of this Arctic air reaching the Gulf Coast and a developing low-pressure system over the Gulf will lead to a rare, significant winter storm for the Gulf Coast and Southeast the next couple of days. A historic snowfall is possible along the Gulf Coast, with snowfall rates of 1"/hour or more possible from eastern Texas through the western Florida Panhandle," the National Weather Service said. "This may produce snowfall totals as much as 3-6" for the I-10 corridor, including the cities of Houston, New Orleans, Mobile, and Pensacola. A combination of heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain is expected further east into Georgia, northern Florida, and the eastern Carolinas."

The storm is also causing major delays at airports across the country, with nearly 2,000 flights canceled and 1,200 others delayed as of Tuesday (January 21) morning.

The National Weather Service warned that the storm could lead to power outages, creating potentially deadly situations for many people in areas not prepared for the frigid weather.


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