The historic winter storm that brought record-breaking snowfall to Florida is moving toward the Carolinas. The storm, which began in Texas, covered the northern Gulf Coast with snow, sleet, and freezing rain, impacting areas unaccustomed to such weather. Jacksonville, Florida, experienced snow and sleet, leading to the closure of the Jacksonville International Airport and schools on Tuesday (January 21). Tallahassee saw snow-dusted palms and icy streets, a rare sight for the state’s capital.
The storm has caused dangerous below-freezing temperatures across the region and led to the closure of highways across the region, including over 100 miles of Interstate 10 in Louisiana and Florida. In Georgia, Savannah experienced snow, and a jackknifed truck closed part of an interchange. The storm dropped up to five inches of snow inland, covering areas from Hilton Head Island to Myrtle Beach.
The storm has caused at least 10 deaths, with vehicle accidents due to icy conditions contributing to the fatalities. Florida recorded snowfall that shattered its all-time record of four inches set in 1954. The storm has led to widespread closures and travel disruptions, with over 1,700 flights canceled nationwide. Airports in Alabama, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida closed due to the unprecedented snowfall.
Winter Storm Enzo has moved on from the Gulf Coast but continues to impact the Southeast Coast. Mobile, Alabama, received over seven inches of snow, breaking its all-time records. The storm has also caused power outages from Texas to Georgia, with officials monitoring road conditions across the South.
As the storm moves toward the Carolinas, authorities urge residents to stay off the roads and exercise caution due to icy conditions. The storm’s impact is expected to continue as temperatures remain below-freezing in many areas.
“Arctic air will persist in the Southeast into Thursday with a slow return to normal temperatures expected by Friday. Multiple record-low temperatures and record-cold afternoon highs are forecast for Wednesday and Thursday. The associated wind chills will be zero to 10 degrees above zero across portions of the Southeast Wednesday night and Thursday morning,” the National Weather Service said.
Recent Comments