Millions across the northern Gulf Coast are bracing for a rare winter storm that is expected to blanket the region with heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain. This storm comes as a blast of Arctic air plunges much of the eastern United States into a deep freeze, affecting states from AP News to The Guardian.

The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts between 3 and 7 inches (7.5-15 centimeters) of snow and sleet across southern Mississippi and southeast Louisiana, including areas like New Orleans. As of Tuesday morning, around 40 million people, primarily in the southern U.S. from Texas to Florida, are under severe weather warnings, with forecasts indicating that conditions could worsen throughout the week as reported by LA Times.

In Texas, Houston airports have suspended flight operations, anticipating hazardous conditions. Nearly 2,000 flights were reported canceled by midday Tuesday, impacting countless travelers across the region. Residents in states like Louisiana are taking precautions by insulating pipes, checking heating systems, and stockpiling emergency supplies. Schools have been closed in many districts, adjusting to this unusual weather shift.

As temperatures plunge, officials in states such as Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and parts of Florida have declared states of emergency. Areas like Baton Rouge, Louisiana, have experienced significant snowfall for the first time since 2018. The storm has prompted coastal counties near the Texas-Louisiana border to issue their first-ever blizzard warnings, indicating the seriousness of the conditions.

Dangerously low temperatures are expected to persist, with wind chills dropping as low as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of the Northern Plains. This cold snap marks a significant disruption in the polar vortex, leading to extreme weather conditions across the Midwest and the East, including heavy snow and ice impacting major transportation routes.

As the winter storm develops, Louisiana official are advising residents to stay home to avoid hazardous road conditions. The weather service warns of possible power outages due to significant snow and ice accumulation, complicating recovery efforts.

This historic storm is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of winter weather, with meteorologists indicating that gradual warming may not return until late in the week.
For continued updates on this developing weather situation, follow AP News, The Guardian, or LA Times.