Rare Winter Storm Threatens U.S. Gulf Coast and Beyond with Snow, Ice, and Power Outages
Houston, Texas – A rare and potentially historic winter storm is set to impact up to 235 million Americans from the Gulf Coast to New England, including the Great Lakes and Midwest, according to a U.S. weather service warning issued Monday. The storm is expected to bring heavy snow, ice, and significant disruptions to transportation and power grids.
AccuWeather meteorologists predict that parts of the western Gulf Coast could experience their most severe snow and ice storm in over a century. Jonathan Porter, AccuWeather’s chief meteorologist, described the event as “an exceptionally dangerous winter storm” that will cause prolonged travel disruptions in the upper Gulf Coast region.
The strain on the central and eastern U.S. power grid is expected to escalate as millions of residents increase heating demands. Houston, Texas, which could receive up to 15 centimeters of snow, has already suspended flights at George Bush Intercontinental, William P. Hobby, and Ellington Field airports starting at midnight Monday due to extreme weather.
“This is shaping up to be a very serious and dangerous weather episode,” warned Houston Mayor John Whitmire, as the storm’s worst effects are anticipated Monday night.
Schools across Texas have announced closures for Tuesday, and several southern cities, including Austin, New Orleans, Biloxi, Mobile, Savannah, and Jacksonville, are bracing for the storm’s impact.
Officials urge residents to prepare for power outages and hazardous travel conditions as the unprecedented storm system advances.
