Millions are bracing for the impact of a historic winter storm sweeping across the northern Gulf Coast as heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain threaten parts of the southern United States. This unusual weather system has left about 40 million people across Texas to Florida under various weather alerts, with significant warnings issued by the National Weather Service (The Guardian).

The storm has produced unprecedented snowfall, particularly noticeable in New Orleans, where 10 inches (25 centimeters) of snow fell, surpassing the city's previous record of 2.7 inches (6.8 centimeters) set in 1963. This has led to widespread school closures and a state of emergency declared by governors in several states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, and parts of Florida (LA Times).

Houston and other cities in Texas have also experienced significant weather disruptions, with nearly all flights at New Orleans' Louis Armstrong International Airport canceled and operations suspended at major airports in Houston. Travel chaos has resulted in over 2,300 flight cancellations as reported by AP News.

Forecasters continue to monitor the situation as the storm moves eastward, with heavy snow expected to reach the Florida Panhandle and as far as the Carolinas. Cities like Jacksonville are expecting snow, sleet, and flash freeze conditions, prompting safety warnings from local authorities. As a result, the Jacksonville International Airport also closed its facilities Tuesday evening (The Guardian).

With the temperatures plunging across much of the Midwest and Eastern US due to this arctic air mass, residents are advised to stay indoors, as dangerously cold wind chills persist across the region. Tragically, several fatalities related to hypothermia and cold exposure have been reported in Georgia and Texas. Emergency services are overwhelmed with response calls as communities prepare for further snowfall and possible freezing conditions over the coming days (LA Times).

Despite the challenges, the unusual snow has brought out the inner child in many, with residents embracing the snowfall through snowball fights and makeshift sledding experiences in unlikely snow-covered environments. Authorities continue to mobilize resources to address hazardous road conditions while urging communities to monitor updates from local weather services.

To stay informed about the progress of this rare weather event, residents are encouraged to take necessary precautions and follow alerts from their local weather stations.