A remarkable winter storm swept through the southern United States this week, bringing something many could hardly believe: snow in New Orleans! It was a sight to see, as families bundled up in warm jackets and mittens, running outside to enjoy the fluffy white snowflakes that transformed their city into a winter wonderland. For many residents, this marked the first measurable snowfall in 15 years, making it a day to remember.
Historic Snowfall Hits the Big Easy
On Tuesday, February 28th, the National Weather Service issued its very first blizzard warning for southern Louisiana, and New Orleans was right in the middle of the action. The snowfall was incredible, with some areas reporting up to 9.5 inches of beautiful snow, far exceeding the previous record of just 2.7 inches back in 1963. Kids could be seen enjoying snowball fights, while others took to the streets for snow tubing, clearly savoring this rare opportunity.
Travel Trouble Everywhere
However, while snow can be fun, it also caused quite a bit of trouble. Snowy conditions led to wide-ranging disruptions, with nearly 95% of flights from Houston airports and 89% from New Orleans getting canceled. More than 220 million people across the country faced extremely cold temperatures, making travel not just difficult but dangerous. Local officials even advised residents to stay home and avoid unnecessary trips. At this rate, getting around would take a lot of patience!
Snowy Scenes in Other Southern Places
And it wasn’t just New Orleans that had fun with the snow. Houston, Texas, also saw snow accumulation of over 4 inches! The fun was all across the southern region, and as families ventured outside, laughter filled the air. Just two states away from New Orleans, snowy adventures turned into a joyful atmosphere.
School Closures & Community Impact
With the heavy snowfall, many schools in Louisiana, Florida, and Mississippi made the tough call to close until the streets were safe for travel again. Even Baton Rouge recorded around 4 inches of snow before noon. This storm dramatically changed the usual school routine, but it also offered lots of kids an unexpected snow day!
Road Conditions and Emergency Measures
Roads became tricky to navigate, with many interstates partially shut down. The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge had to close due to the severe weather. Imagine waking up to look outside your window and seeing your world transformed! Louisiana Governor Jeff Landy warned that the snow could keep the state in a situation where many businesses and routines were stuck for days. Local authorities mobilized snowplows and road-clearing equipment to deal with the situation, but it was a tough task due to the sheer amount of snow that fell.
Snowfall Table
| Location | Snowfall Amount |
|---|---|
| New Orleans | Up to 9.5 inches |
| Baton Rouge | 4 inches |
| Houston | 4+ inches |
| Mid-City, New Orleans | 9.5 inches |
| Kenner, Louisiana | 4 inches |
What to Expect Next
As this historic winter storm moves towards Florida and the Carolinas, it leaves behind a magical scene blanketed in white. While kids enjoy the snow, grown-ups are making plans to stay safe and warm. Everyone is watching the forecast to find out how much more snow could fall across the region and how soon life can return to normal. For now, it’s a winter wonderland in New Orleans and beyond!