In late January 2025, a rare and powerful winter storm, known as Winter Storm Enzo, brought unexpected snowfall and freezing temperatures to the southern United States. This event marked the first recorded blizzard on the Gulf Coast and was the most significant winter storm in the region since 1895.
In Texas, the storm began on January 20, with Houston experiencing freezing rain and snow, accumulating up to 6 inches near La Porte. The city of Beaumont set an all-time monthly record low of 11°F for the month of January. Major roadways in Houston were closed due to snow and ice accumulation, leading to significant travel disruptions. State agencies prepared resources in advance, while the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) took precautions.
Florida also faced severe winter weather. Pensacola recorded 8.9 inches of snow, nearly tripling the previous record of 3 inches from February 1895. Milton saw 10 inches of snowfall, more than doubling the state’s previous single-storm record. The Florida House of Representatives and Senate canceled all committee meetings scheduled for the week of January 20, and Tallahassee International Airport canceled all remaining flights after 3 p.m. local time on January 21.
The snowstorm also heavily impacted other Southern states, including Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia. Louisiana received up to 5 inches of snow in areas such as Baton Rouge and New Orleans, causing power outages for more than 50,000 homes. Alabama reported its first measurable snowfall in years, while Georgia experienced hazardous travel conditions. Even states like Mississippi and Arkansas saw freezing temperatures and scattered snowfalls, causing school closures, traffic accidents, and flight cancellations across the region.
The storm resulted in at least 13 fatalities and caused widespread power outages, with over 77,000 people losing electricity, primarily in Louisiana and Florida. Financial losses are estimated to be at least $500 million. The storm’s impact was felt across the Gulf Coast, with states of emergency declared across nearly the entire region.
The South’s cold snap is ending – but these effects will linger.
