- Rare snowstorm hits US south, four dead
- The storm began in Texas on Monday night and has moved eastward
- Governors in several states have declared emergencies
Rare snowstorm hits US south, four dead
A rare snowstorm has swept through the southern U.S., bringing snow and freezing rain to areas unaccustomed to winter weather. Four deaths have been linked to the cold so far: two in Austin, Texas, and two from hypothermia in Georgia and Milwaukee.
The storm began in Texas on Monday night and has moved eastward, affecting Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Southwest Louisiana saw its first-ever blizzard warning, with up to 10.5 inches of snow reported in Rayne. Governors in several states have declared emergencies, as temperatures are plunging below January averages.
Travel disruptions are widespread, with over 2,200 flights cancelled and another 3,000 delayed on Tuesday. The National Weather Service warned of historic snowfall along the Gulf Coast and heavy snow in New York, where up to 18 inches have fallen in some areas. Residents are urged to stay off the roads.