Historic Blizzard Warnings Issued Across Gulf Coast States

For the first time in recorded history, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a blizzard warning for Lake Charles and much of southern Louisiana, as a severe winter storm brought unprecedented snowfall and hazardous conditions to the Gulf Coast. The storm has impacted major cities, including Houston and New Orleans, with snowfall accumulations expected to reach between three to six inches, and wind gusts exceeding 35 mph creating blizzard conditions. Local officials have issued travel advisories and curfews in affected areas, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel due to treacherous road conditions and numerous accidents. Power outages have also been reported, affecting over 33,000 utility customers as the storm continues to disrupt services. States of emergency have been declared in multiple states, including Louisiana and Texas, as the region braces for further snowfall and extreme cold. Meteorologists warn that this historic storm could result in conditions seldom seen in the Deep South, leading to significant disruptions across the region.