Video shows airboat doing donuts in snow-covered Louisiana field
A vehicle usually associated with cruising through the swampy waters of the bayou was recorded today doing tricks in a snowy patch of land in Louisiana.
The clip, posted to X, was recorded in Charenton, about 50 miles southeast of Lafayette.
Port Houston announces 2-day closure due to winter weather
Port Houston, one of the largest ports in the United States for waterborne shipping, announced all of its facilities will be closed today and tomorrow because of winter weather conditions.
“We potentially will resume vessel operations at the container terminals on Wednesday evening, if conditions allow,” the shipping port said in a notice.
Port Houston has committed to opening gates on Saturday to assist customers.
“The safety of our team and users remains our top priority. We continue to monitor conditions and will provide another update Wednesday around Noon,” it said.
Parts of Louisiana get over 10 inches of snow in historic storm
The rare winter storm continues to cross the Southeast this afternoon, producing whiteout conditions and 1 inch-per-hour snowfall rates. Totals as of 2 p.m. ET include:
- 10.5 inches in Rayne, Louisiana
- 7.5 inches in Lafayette, Louisiana
- 6.0 inches in Pine Forest, Texas
- 6.0 inches in Lake Charles, Louisiana
- 5.2 inches in Beaumont, Texas
- 4.0 inches in New Orleans
- 3.0 inches in Houston
Jacksonville International Airport to close due to winter weather
Florida's Jacksonville International Airport joins several other Southern airports that will be temporarily closed because of winter weather conditions.
The airport will close after the last scheduled departure at about 8 p.m., with plans to reopen at 12 p.m. tomorrow.
“Travelers are encouraged to check flight status with their airlines for the most up-to-date information about their itineraries and for rebooking options,” it said on X.
Photos show rare snowfall on the Big Easy
New Orleans residents woke to a historic sight today as the Gulf Coast city was blanketed with snow in the rare winter storm sweeping across the South.
Iconic locations in the normally sweltering city from Bourbon Street to the Superdome were covered in inches of snow.
Buffalo declares state of emergency amid severe lake-effect snowstorm, closes major skyway
Severe winter weather is also pummeling the Northeast. Mayor Chris Scanlon declared a state of emergency for Buffalo, New York, today in response to a severe lake-effect snowstorm.
“My top priority is the safety of our residents, and our emergency response team is actively monitoring the storm while working closely with local and state agencies to respond effectively to this severe weather event,” Scanlon said on X. “I urge all residents to stay indoors if possible and follow all emergency directives.”
The Buffalo Common Council also issued a travel advisory on X, citing deteriorating weather conditions, including blowing and drifting snow and poor visibility.
The advisory announced the closing of the Buffalo Skyway, a major bridge and elevated roadway that connects downtown Buffalo with the northern end of the Buffalo Harbor.
Winter storm forces airports across the Gulf Coast to shut down
The heavy snow and dangerous cold gipping much of the South forced the closure of airports throughout the region Tuesday.
The Tallahassee International Airport will be down at 3 p.m. EST, with plans to reopen at noon Wednesday.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) suspended flights out of Houston, it announced a little before 8:30 a.m. CST. Hobby (HOB), Houston's other major airport, shut down commercial flying at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.
Several other airports in Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi were also forced to close Tuesday due to cold and icy conditions.
'This doesn't happen very often': Houston firefighters, police have snowball fight
The official X account of the city of Houston posted video today of its emergency personnel engaging in a playful snowball fight amid the rare winter storm.
"Some of our @HoustonFire and @houstonpolice first responders are enjoying the snow between calls," the caption said. "Please continue to stay off the roads, and stay warm and safe at home."
Mobile County declares all roads, bridges too dangerous for travel
A major Alabama community along the Gulf of Mexico told residents to stay off all roads and bridges as a historic cold snap plagues the region.
All travel outside "should be suspended or delayed," according to the Mobile County Emergency Management Agency, spelling the word IMPASSABLE in all caps.
A host of schools and other government services had already been closed before this roads advisory was issued.
Texas energy grid is withstanding the winter storm — for now
Texas energy officials voiced optimism today that they'll be able to keep the lights on and heaters blasting, as bone-chilling conditions crossed the Lone Star State.
As of 11:15 a.m. CST time, "the grid continues to have sufficient resources to meet demand," according to a statement by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the independent operator that provides power across the state.
ERCOT was little known outside Texas before a winter storm in 2021 nearly collapsed the grid and paralyzed the state.