PENSACOLA, Fla. − On Wednesday, light snow fell over this city in the panhandle as the final remnants of a historic and deadly storm drifted out to sea. This storm not only shattered snow records from here to New Orleans but also left a heavy layer of ice across areas not accustomed to such severe winter conditions in many years.

The consequences of this storm will resonate for days in Southern cities unprepared for the intense cold that has taken hold of much of the country this week. More than 130,000 residences and businesses were without power on Wednesday across Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.

“This has been the worst winter storm to impact the Gulf Coast in decades,” stated Jonathan Porter, Chief Meteorologist at AccuWeather.

In Texas, there were reports of seven fatalities. Near La Pryor, around 100 miles west of San Antonio, five individuals lost their lives in a car accident due to icy roads, foxsanantonio.com reported. In addition, two people died from cold exposure in Austin, according to cbsaustin.com. Texas authorities have yet to respond to YSL News’s request for confirmation about these deaths.

In Alabama, the Dale County Coroner confirmed two weather-related fatalities: one from a car accident and another from a house fire. In Georgia, Chris Stallings, the director of the Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security, reported that a person with “critical needs” died of hypothermia after going outside.

The cleanup, a common scene in northern states, was in full swing from Texas to Florida, although it was hindered by a lack of snowplows. Residents have been advised against traveling on the iced roads, with temperatures expected to stay around freezing until Thursday.

The storm began its journey in Texas on Tuesday, covering highways in snow and causing traffic disruptions before moving eastward. Louisiana issued its first-ever blizzard warning, with New Orleans International Airport recording 8 inches of snow—triple the previous record set more than six decades ago, according to the National Weather Service. Snow records were broken in Alabama, and parts of Mississippi saw nearly a foot of snow.

In Florida, Pensacola saw a record-breaking snowfall in the state, with the National Weather Service reporting at least 5 inches in Pensacola and 9.8 inches in Milton, surpassing the old Florida record of 4 inches set in 1954.

“We urge our residents to refrain from traveling,” said Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves. “By doing so, they not only risk their safety but also that of our first responders and our ability to manage the situation.”

Updates:

∎ Snowfall in New Orleans threatened a record set 130 years ago. The city last experienced measurable snowfall in 2009, per the National Weather Service.

∎ In Alabama, Mobile saw 7.5 inches, a snowfall amount not seen in more than 60 years, according to weather reports.

Tallahassee sees a winter Waffle House indicator

In Florida, the Tallahassee police have urged residents to stay off icy streets. However, a few adventurous customers made their way to a local Waffle House on Wednesday morning, bundled up and holding fresh coffee to keep warm. Although the full menu wasn’t available, the Waffle House in Tallahassee offered an “Emergency Bowl Menu,” which included a bacon, egg, and cheese bowl along with hash browns. Known for serving as a weather gauge during hurricanes, the Waffle House managed to operate through the winter storm in Tallahassee.

The limited menu was intended to accommodate reduced staffing levels while ensuring that guests could be served promptly. The chain maintains eight 24-hour locations in and around the city.

− Kyla A. Sanford, Tallahassee Democrat

Houston resident feels like a child in the snow

Thelma Foster, a retired truck driver in Houston, Texas, found nostalgia in the snow that fell on Monday night.

“I haven’t experienced snow like this since I was in elementary school,” the 55-year-old shared with YSL News. “I felt a warm, childlike joy inside.”

Prepared for potential power outages with portable generators and camp heaters from last year’s Hurricane Beryl, she chose to stay home, enjoying the snowy scene from her apartment window while sipping coffee and wrapped in a blanket. She expressed, “This is the best way to enjoy this chilly weather.”

“I’m savoring every moment,” Foster added. “It’s been delightful.”

− Sam Woodward

Storm’s economic implications

AccuWeather has provided a preliminary damage and economic loss estimate of $14-$17 billion for the affected Southern states from the snow, ice, and extreme cold. According to Porter, many businesses have had to close—some for days—resulting in significant disruptions to supply chains and shipping.

“With the cold persisting, the effects and interruptions from this winter storm will be felt for several days,” Porter remarked.

Concerns for the homeless in Pensacola

In Pensacola, bus drivers offered free rides to cold weather shelters that accommodated record numbers of individuals. Staff at Waterfront Mission cleared out lobby furniture to set up emergency cots and pallets.

Pensacola police reached out to individuals living in camps or on the streets to see if they needed assistance or a ride to a shelter. For those who declined help, police provided donated blankets and sleeping bags.

“We have officers on patrol, and if they’re contacted by anyone requesting assistance, we will transport them to any available shelters,” said Officer Gregory Gordon. “We want to get them off the streets.”

Impressive snowfall across the South

Babbie, Ala., located 100 miles northeast of Pensacola, reported the region’s highest snowfall total at 11.5 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Lafayette, Louisiana recorded 10.5 inches. Milton led Florida’s totals, with several areas reporting 9 inches − including Cordele, Ga., located 160 miles south of Atlanta. In Texas, La Porte near Houston saw 6 inches, and in Mississippi, Evanston reported 5.5 inches.

In comparison, a snowbelt community topped the National Weather Service report with 48 inches measured in Rodman, N.Y.

Storm disrupts air travel

Air travelers are still grappling with the fallout of the rare winter storm that swept through the Southeast on Tuesday. Nearly 1,800 flights in the U.S. were canceled, with over 2,300 others delayed by noon ET on Wednesday, based on data from the flight tracking service FlightAware.

Among these cancellations were nearly a third of the flights from George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby airports in Houston, both of which are expected to resume operations later Wednesday after temporary suspensions due to the storm. Major cancellations were also reported in cities such as New Orleans, Charleston, South Carolina, and Jacksonville, Florida.Read more here.

− Zach Wichter and Eve Chen

Unprecedented Storm Hits Gulf Coast – ‘No Snow Removal Equipment’

A powerful snowstorm is currently affecting the Gulf Coast, and Louisiana is facing its first blizzard warning ever, as reported by the National Weather Service on Monday. Just how infrequent is snow in these Southern cities?

“The Greater Houston area is experiencing its most impactful winter storm since at least 1960,” stated the Houston weather service.

On the other hand, New Orleans hasn’t recorded any snowfall since 2009, and Jacksonville hasn’t seen measurable snow in 35 years.

“This will mark a historic snowfall for the Gulf Coast,” meteorologist Paul Douglas shared on X, emphasizing that in many areas, “there are no snowplows available – they’ll essentially wait for the snow to melt, which is expected by the end of this week.” Read more here.

− Doyle Rice

Family Thrilled by Uncommon Snow in Louisiana

For 21-year-old meteorology student Gabriel Hebert, the rare winter storm in his hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana, presents more than just a snow day — it’s a unique learning experience.

“I’m incredibly excited,” he told YSL News. “This is my favorite kind of weather.”

Hebert had been tracking the storm closely for several days and stayed up late monitoring snowfall amounts. In preparation, his family left their cabinets open to avoid frozen pipes, agreed to stay off the roads, and stocked up on essential supplies.

“We’re not really sure how to prepare for something like this,” Hebert admitted. While the snow continued to fall, his family hunkered down, and his younger siblings delighted in the wintry wonder. “I just want to cherish this time with my family, watching them make snow angels and snowmen,” he expressed.

− Sam Woodward

In New Orleans, ‘A Moment to Appreciate the Beauty’

Claire Spenard, a resident of New Orleans, has experienced many snow days during her childhood in Rochester, New York. Initially, she couldn’t believe the forecasts predicting snowfall in the South. Now, as schools and major highways close, she wishes she had purchased a shovel before the storm arrived.

“It brings back memories of home, and I never thought I would say that,” Spenard told YSL News.

The 23-year-old ballet instructor and server described her city as a ghost town, inhabited by excited children experiencing snow for the first time, creating snowmen and playing in the streets devoid of cars.

Her advice for those new to snowy weather? Give way to the occasional car and take the time to enjoy the scene.

“Just sit and watch, because it’s genuinely beautiful,” Spenard advised. “I think many people here are taking a moment to appreciate it, since that’s generally how folks in New Orleans approach life.”

− Sam Woodward

Tallahassee’s Seven Hills Offer Great Sledding Opportunities

During winter, Floridians typically store their pool floats, boogie boards, and kayaks. However, on Wednesday, residents in North Florida may pull out these items to use as improvised sleds. Due to the incoming weather, Leon County Schools canceled Wednesday’s classes, resulting in a snow day for children in Tallahassee.

Being a hilly city, Tallahassee offers plenty of choices for residents looking to enjoy sledding fun. A popular spot could be Florida A&M University, which states on its website that it “is located on the highest of the seven hills in Florida’s capital.”

− Alaijah Brown, Tallahassee Democrat

Contributing: Troy Moon, Edward Bunch III, and Tom McLaughlin, Pensacola News Journal