- greensea
- 21 Jan 2025 07:42 AM
- Nature
Overview of Winter Storm Enzo
Winter Storm Enzo is bringing rare snowfall and icy conditions to regions of the Gulf Coast and the Deep South that seldom experience winter weather of this magnitude. The combination of arctic air and Gulf moisture has created a potentially historic winter weather event, impacting millions.
Regions Affected
Primary Impact Zones:
Southeast Texas, including Houston and Lake Charles.
Southern Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
Georgia, northern Florida, and the Carolinas.
Secondary Impact Zones:
Coastal areas from the Carolinas to northeast Florida.
Interior regions near Interstates 10 and 20, where travel disruptions are likely.
Key Weather Alerts
Winter Storm Warnings: Issued for central and eastern Texas through parts of Georgia and the Carolinas.
Blizzard Warnings: For extreme southeast Texas and far southwest Louisiana, including Lake Charles, until noon CST.
Winter Weather Advisories: Cover areas like Houston, New Orleans, Tallahassee, and Charleston.
These warnings indicate a combination of snow, ice, and gusty winds, making travel extremely dangerous.
Snowfall Totals (So Far)
Houston: 1–2 inches recorded by 5:30 a.m. CST.
Expected Totals:
Southern Louisiana and southeast Texas: Up to 6 inches in isolated areas.
Gulf Coast to the Carolinas: 2–4 inches, with localized higher amounts.
Historic Records at Risk:
New Orleans: Could surpass its highest snow total since 1963 (2.3 inches).
Florida: All-time 24-hour snowfall record of 4 inches may be challenged.
Tuesday and Tuesday Night Forecast
Morning and Afternoon (Tuesday):
Snow and ice will spread eastward, impacting areas along and north of Interstate 10.
A wintry mix is expected further south, closer to the Gulf Coast.
Evening and Overnight:
Snow and ice will taper off west of the Mississippi River.
Georgia, northern Florida, and the Carolinas will see lingering snow and ice into early Wednesday.
Winds: Gusty winds will accompany precipitation, potentially creating whiteout conditions in some areas, especially where blizzard warnings are active.
Road and Travel Conditions
Hazardous Travel: Expected along Interstate 10 and portions of Interstate 20, especially in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Ice Impacts:
Ice accumulation from northeast Florida into southeast Georgia could cause downed tree branches and power outages.
Even light snowfall and ice may lead to slick roads, particularly in areas unaccustomed to winter conditions.
Key Areas to Watch
Atlanta Metro: Travel impacts are possible depending on how far north the storm’s moisture extends.
Coastal Carolinas: May experience significant snowfall or ice accumulations.
Meteorological Setup
Cold Air Intrusion:
An arctic air mass has surged into the Deep South, providing the subfreezing temperatures necessary for snow and ice.
Moisture from the Gulf:
A low-pressure system over the Gulf of Mexico is lifting moisture northward, fueling the storm.
This combination of cold air and Gulf moisture is a classic recipe for rare Gulf Coast snow and ice events.
Safety Recommendations
Avoid Travel: Stay off roads unless absolutely necessary, particularly in areas under winter storm warnings or advisories.
Prepare for Power Outages: Have flashlights, batteries, and warm clothing ready in case of ice-related outages.
Check Local Updates: Monitor forecasts and local advisories for real-time information.
Winter Storm Enzo is a stark reminder of how even areas with limited winter weather experience can face significant disruptions. Stay safe and prepare for lingering impacts into midweek.
