There are millions of people living along the Gulf Coast and throughout the Southeast who are getting ready for a rare and big winter storm that is likely to have a substantial impact on traffic and lead to power disruptions due to heavy snow and ice beginning Monday evening.
People living in states ranging from Texas to Florida have been urged by authorities to get themselves ready for the winter weather and the freezing temperatures that are on the way.
According to the forecasters, the potentially historic winter storm will begin to have an impact on eastern and southeastern Texas on Monday evening. The storm will then move eastward down the Gulf Coast and into the Southeast through Tuesday and Wednesday.
It is anticipated that there will be a significant amount of snowfall along and to the north of the Interstate 10 corridor, as well as sleet and freezing rain across large sections of southern Texas, in the southeast of Georgia, and in the north of Florida.
It is anticipated that there will be substantial interruptions to transport, and power outages are also anticipated in regions where there is a possibility of significant snow and ice.
The mayor of Houston, John Whitmire, has warned the city’s citizens to get ready for the substantial effects that the unusual winter storm will have.
“We’re doing everything we can as a city to prepare for this winter storm,” Whitmire stated. “We will be here to keep you safe and respond to emergencies, but we need your help.”
Whitmire recommended people to spend as little time as possible outside and to be inside whenever feasible.
“We don’t want you to risk your life or jeopardize the safety of our police officers and firefighters if they have to rescue you when you could have stayed home,” he stated. “Our first responders must remain focused on critical incidents as conditions worsen.”
Metro services in Houston will be discontinued beginning at nine o’clock on Monday night, and airports in Houston will be closed beginning at midnight on Tuesday. This is in preparation for the storm that is expected to arrive.
In addition, the Houston Independent School District has decided to cancel classes for both Tuesday and Wednesday, and the municipal courts in Houston will be closed on Tuesday.
Additionally, the University of Texas at Austin will be closed on Tuesday as a result of the storm that is expected to arrive.
Sunday marked the beginning of the pre-treating process for roads and overpasses in Houston, and on Monday, a second wave of brine will be applied in an effort to lessen the amount of ice that has accumulated.
Particularly rare winter storm warnings have been issued for New Orleans and the Florida Panhandle.
A state of emergency was declared by Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana in response to the impending winter weather.
This declaration made it possible for the state to provide direct assistance to parishes in order to support operations measures that would protect the safety of inhabitants.
“Keeping Louisianans safe is our top priority,” Landry stated. “I am declaring a state of emergency for the incoming winter storm currently forecast to impact Louisiana, and I’m encouraging everyone to stay alert, monitor the weather forecast, and prepare now for any potential impacts.”
Louisiana State Police are asking people to avoid the roadways as much as possible during the storm, and the Louisiana Department of Transportation has been actively preparing state highways and roads around the area for the storm.
In the Florida Panhandle, where winter weather is predicted to significantly disrupt daily life, preparations are also in progress.
According to the Florida Department of Transportation, all the necessary tools, supplies, and workers are prepared to get on the road and maintain the safety and functionality of the state’s highways. State Road Rangers will react promptly to any problems or drivers who may become stranded in the winter, according to officials.
Winter Storm Threatens Texas with Snow and Ice, Could Reach Florida
From Texas, which is the U.S.-Mexico border, to South Carolina, which has a number of big cities, seven states are under a winter weather alert.
Winter Storm Watches are in force over parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, and a Winter Storm Warning is in effect over Houston and New Orleans.
For the first time since 2014, Tallahassee and other areas of northern Florida are currently under a Winter Storm Watch.
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Parts of southern Georgia and the Florida Panhandle may be in for a more serious catastrophe.
Warm air will be drawn in over the Southeast as the low-pressure system moves eastward and gets stronger.
Snowflakes will start to melt as they fall from the sky because of the warmer air above, giving them the chance to either refreeze at the surface or stay as pure rain.
