New Delhi: New Delhi: Millions of people in the US are under winter weather alerts. A rare once-in-a-lifetime winter storm has brought bone-chilling temperatures, and there is potential for historic snowfall in cities unused to harsh and cold weather. Airports in Houston are closed, and nearly 2,000 flights have been cancelled across the US.
Areas from Houston to southern Louisiana have already seen 1 to 3 inches of snow, with some places getting close to 6 inches. More snow is expected. New Orleans and other cities along the Gulf Coast might experience a record amount of snow.
Snow is moving into areas from Houston to Austin, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. In this article, we will discuss the states facing or facing the threat of a winter storm.
Houston, we have a snowstorm. Meteorologist @JimCantore shares how conditions from Winter Storm Enzo have crippled the largest city in Texas: pic.twitter.com/RpBXeWDGOs
— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) January 21, 2025
States Impacted by the Devastating US Winter Storm
- Texas
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Florida
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Kentucky
- Ohio
- Indiana
- Illinois
- Michigan
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- Rhode Island
Gulf Coast Map (Photo credit: X/@weatherman_aaa)
About 40 million people in the southern US face severe weather hazards, with over 21 million under a warning of winter storms. Around 170 million people from the Rockies to the east are under extreme warning or a cold weather advisory.
In southern Louisiana, heavy snow and strong winds are causing whiteout conditions. Snow totals of 3 to 6 inches are likely. This has led to the first-ever blizzard warning along the Gulf Coast from the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, covering parts of southern Louisiana and far eastern Texas.
For the second day in a row, low temperatures and dangerous wind chills have stretched from the Canadian border to the Mexican border. On Tuesday morning, wind chills dropped to the teens across much of the Gulf Coast, with single-digit temperatures in northern Texas. The cold snap has already contributed to one death in Milwaukee.
Understanding Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories
There are three types of warnings:
Winter Storm Warning is issued when heavy snow of at least 6 inches in 12 hours or at least 8 inches in 24 hours is expected. It can also be issued if sleet accumulates at least half an inch.
Ice Storm Warning is for expected ice accumulation of at least 1/4 inch.
Blizzard Warning is for blizzard conditions, which include visibility less than 1/4 mile due to falling or blowing snow and winds of at least 35 mph for at least three hours.
There are two types of advisories:
- Freezing Rain Advisory warns of possible ice accumulation of up to 1/4 inch.
- A Winter Weather Advisory is issued for conditions such as snow of 3 to 5 inches in 12 hours, sleet accumulation up to 1/4 inch, freezing rain that combines with sleet or snow, or blowing snow.
What is a winter storm?
A winter storm is when wind and precipitation, such as snow, rain mixed with snow, or freezing rain, occur at freezing temperatures. In some climates, these storms can happen in late autumn and early spring, not just winter. A snowstorm with strong winds and low visibility is called a blizzard.
Historic snowfall is predicted in areas unaccustomed to such conditions, leading to airport closures and thousands of flight cancellations. The storm’s path includes Texas, Louisiana, and numerous other states along the Gulf Coast and eastward, prompting blizzard warnings and a range of advisories based on snow, ice, and wind conditions. The storm’s impact includes significant travel disruptions and at least one reported fatality. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
