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US Gulf coast braces for rare winter storm bringing snow and sleet US Gulf coast braces for rare winter storm bringing snow and sleet
(about 2 hours later)
About 40 million from Texas to Florida under some type of weather hazard as blast of Arctic air brings deep freezeAbout 40 million from Texas to Florida under some type of weather hazard as blast of Arctic air brings deep freeze
Millions of people across the northern Gulf coast braced on Tuesday for a rare winter storm that is expected to scatter heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain around the deep south as a blast of Arctic air plunges much of the eastern US into a deep freeze.Millions of people across the northern Gulf coast braced on Tuesday for a rare winter storm that is expected to scatter heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain around the deep south as a blast of Arctic air plunges much of the eastern US into a deep freeze.
About 40 million people, primarily across the southern US from Texas to Florida, were under some type of weather hazard, including more than 21 million under a winter storm warning, said meteorologist Marc Chenard with the National Weather Service in College Park, Maryland. About 40 million people, primarily across the southern US from Texas to Florida, were under some type of weather hazard, including more than 21 million under a winter storm warning, said the meteorologist Marc Chenard with the National Weather Service in College Park, Maryland.
He added about 170 million people from the Rockies to points eastward were under either an extreme warning or a cold weather advisory.He added about 170 million people from the Rockies to points eastward were under either an extreme warning or a cold weather advisory.
The NWS forecast between 3 and 7in (7.5-15cm) of snow and sleet for parts of southern Mississippi and south-east Louisiana, including New Orleans, heading into Tuesday.The NWS forecast between 3 and 7in (7.5-15cm) of snow and sleet for parts of southern Mississippi and south-east Louisiana, including New Orleans, heading into Tuesday.
Ahead of the storm, governors in Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, declared states of emergency and many school systems canceled classes on Tuesday.Ahead of the storm, governors in Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, declared states of emergency and many school systems canceled classes on Tuesday.
In Texas, both Houston airports announced flight operations would be suspended starting Tuesday in expectation of hazardous conditions from the severe winter weather taking aim at a huge swath of the south. In Texas, both Houston airports announced flight operations would be suspended starting on Tuesday in expectation of hazardous conditions from the severe winter weather taking aim at a huge swath of the south.
Residents from Texas to north Florida were rushing to insulate pipes, check heating systems and stock up on emergency supplies.Residents from Texas to north Florida were rushing to insulate pipes, check heating systems and stock up on emergency supplies.
Elsewhere, the east coast endured a thick blanket of snow while people from the northern plains to the tip of Maine shivered in bitterly cold temperatures from the frigid Arctic air mass that sent temperatures plunging well below normal on Monday. Dangerously cold wind chills were expected to persist through Tuesday morning.Elsewhere, the east coast endured a thick blanket of snow while people from the northern plains to the tip of Maine shivered in bitterly cold temperatures from the frigid Arctic air mass that sent temperatures plunging well below normal on Monday. Dangerously cold wind chills were expected to persist through Tuesday morning.
The online tracker FlightAware reported nearly 600 flight cancellations by Monday evening within the US or entering or leaving the country, along with nearly 6,500 delays. More than 1,700 such cancellations also were posted for Tuesday.The online tracker FlightAware reported nearly 600 flight cancellations by Monday evening within the US or entering or leaving the country, along with nearly 6,500 delays. More than 1,700 such cancellations also were posted for Tuesday.
Winter storm warnings extended from Texas to Florida on Monday, with heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain expected around the region into Wednesday.Winter storm warnings extended from Texas to Florida on Monday, with heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain expected around the region into Wednesday.
Meanwhile, a state of emergency was declared on Monday night across at least a dozen counties in New York as heavy lake-effect snow was expected around Lake Ontario and Lake Erie through Wednesday – with 1-2ft (30-60cm) possible – along with extreme cold temperatures.Meanwhile, a state of emergency was declared on Monday night across at least a dozen counties in New York as heavy lake-effect snow was expected around Lake Ontario and Lake Erie through Wednesday – with 1-2ft (30-60cm) possible – along with extreme cold temperatures.
The storm was expected to affect Texas starting Monday evening, spread eastward through Wednesday morning with heavy snow expected along and to the north of the Interstate 10 corridor with sleet and freezing rain in south Texas and south-east Georgia and northern Florida. The storm was expected to affect Texas starting on Monday evening, spread eastward through Wednesday morning with heavy snow expected along and to the north of the Interstate 10 corridor with sleet and freezing rain in south Texas and south-east Georgia and northern Florida.
Forecasters warned the sub-freezing morning lows could threaten sensitive vegetation and exposed plumbing in areas unaccustomed to bitter cold.Forecasters warned the sub-freezing morning lows could threaten sensitive vegetation and exposed plumbing in areas unaccustomed to bitter cold.
Across Louisiana, officials urged residents to “stay home” and not “go sightseeing” during the storm, warning any road ice could make travel dangerous.Across Louisiana, officials urged residents to “stay home” and not “go sightseeing” during the storm, warning any road ice could make travel dangerous.
Warming centers were being readied as towns sought to get homeless people off the streets. The weather service warned power outages were possible in areas of significant snow and ice accumulation.Warming centers were being readied as towns sought to get homeless people off the streets. The weather service warned power outages were possible in areas of significant snow and ice accumulation.
Like earlier this month, this latest cold snap comes from a disruption in the polar vortex, the ring of cold air usually trapped about the north pole.Like earlier this month, this latest cold snap comes from a disruption in the polar vortex, the ring of cold air usually trapped about the north pole.