Rare Winter Storm Threatens Gulf Coast with Snow, Ice, and Freezing Rain

HOUSTON – A rare winter storm is set to bring heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain to the Gulf Coast and parts of the South, with winter weather alerts issued from East Texas through southern Mississippi. The storm, expected to begin Monday evening, could produce record-breaking ice and snow in areas unaccustomed to such conditions.

The National Weather Service in Houston warned of up to 3 inches of snow and sleet, with locally higher amounts possible, starting late Monday and continuing into Tuesday. Cities like Houston and New Orleans are under a Winter Storm Watch, with the potential for dangerous travel conditions and power outages.

This storm follows a dramatic temperature drop across the region. Highs in the 60s on Saturday will plummet to the 20s by Monday morning, setting the stage for wintry precipitation. New Orleans Public Schools announced closures for Tuesday, and the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade in Jacksonville, Florida, has been postponed.

By early Tuesday, wintry precipitation is expected to spread from East Texas to Houston, with snow, sleet, and freezing rain reaching Louisiana and Florida by Tuesday night. If measurable snow falls in both New Orleans and Tallahassee, it would mark the first such event since February 1973.

An ice storm could develop across northern Florida, with snow stretching as far north as Atlanta before the storm exits the region by Wednesday afternoon. The storm’s track remains uncertain, and any shift could significantly impact its effects.

This weather event has raised concerns in Texas, where memories of the deadly 2021 winter storm linger. More than 200 people died during that event, which caused widespread power outages. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has issued a Weather Watch from Jan. 20-23, anticipating increased electrical demand. CenterPoint Energy and Oncor, major power providers in the state, have activated cold-weather readiness plans.

Houston officials announced the opening of warming centers Sunday evening, while millions across the South brace for dangerously cold conditions. The storm, dubbed Winter Storm Enzo, is expected to create hazardous travel conditions and potential power outages in areas unaccustomed to winter weather.

Stay updated with the latest forecasts and alerts as this rare winter storm unfolds.