A rare winter storm impacted the Gulf Coast on January 21, 2025, bringing significant snowfall and freezing conditions to regions unaccustomed to such weather. The storm prompted the first blizzard warning for southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana, with snowfall accumulating in areas like Houston and New Orleans.
In Houston, residents experienced heavy snow and ice, leading to closed schools and virtually deserted streets. The National Weather Service reported potential snowfall of up to eight inches, or 20 cm, in New Orleans, which could tie a record from 1895. The last measurable snowfall in the city occurred in 2009.
Flight operations were severely disrupted, with nearly 2,000 flights canceled and thousands more delayed across the region. Power outages affected approximately 45,000 homes and businesses in southeastern Texas.
Temperatures plummeted to single digits Fahrenheit, prompting authorities to advise residents on precautions against frostbite and the risk of frozen pipes. The storm's combination of snow, ice, and wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour posed challenges for travel and infrastructure.