Rare winter storm disrupts Southern US

The southern United States is experiencing rare winter weather, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights and the closure of many schools and universities. Florida Governor DeSantis noted the state’s unfamiliarity with such conditions, stating, “Believe it or not, we’re mobilizing snow plows.” Many schools and universities remain closed today.

In anticipation of the winter storm, the governors of Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida declared states of emergency. Flights at Jacksonville Airport in Florida have been halted since last night, but the airport is expected to reopen by midday local time.

Airports in Houston, Texas, also canceled all flights yesterday, with plans to reopen today. The snow has created unusual scenes, with American media reporting that Louisiana issued its first-ever snowstorm warning.

In New Orleans, snow fell for the first time in over a decade, accumulating up to 23 centimeters in some areas. The Louisiana police reported over fifty accidents yesterday and advised residents to stay home.

Several deaths occurred due to the weather, though exact numbers are unknown. In Austin, Texas, two people died from the cold, and in Georgia, one person succumbed to hypothermia.

Source: NOS

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