Winter storm reside updates: Snow and ice batter Gulf Coast leaving 5 individuals useless and 220 million in frigid temps
A rare and deadly winter storm continued to wallop states across the Gulf Coast on Tuesday, resulting in dozens of weather-related crashes and historic levels of snow falling around New Orleans.
The death of at least five people were linked to the Arctic blast, including one in Georgia, two in Houston and two more in Austin, Texas. None of the deceased were immediately identified.
Winter weather impacts stretched from eastern Texas through the western Florida Panhandle. For many, it was a day for snowball fights and sledding.
“Kids have had an opportunity to see a part of nature here in Louisiana that we never get to see,” Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry told reporters.
But, hazardous travel conditions and life-threatening cold were expected to continue into Wednesday.
The inclement weather had suspended operations at multiple international airports and closed roads. More than 5,200 flights were delayed or canceled within, into, or out of the U.S. by the mid-afternoon. Passengers reported waiting in nightmarishly long lines at Georgia’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
“I don’t want to overreact BUT I think Atlanta’s airport created a new and weirdly specific type of hell with rapidly moving TSA lines that ultimately lead nowhere,” ESPN’s Mike Foss wrote in a social media post.
Houston fire and police engage in a snowball fight
Dangerous cold will continue to threaten Houston

While the snow has stopped falling in Houston, slush and ice on the ground is expected to refreeze overnight, forecasters cautioned.
An extreme cold warning and cold weather advisory are in place.
Florida authorities advise residents: ‘Remember, many of us don’t have experience driving in these conditions’

Harris County Sheriff’s Office warns roads are ‘extremely dangerous’
Dozens of weather-related crashes are reported in Louisiana

There have been about 50 weather-related crashes in Louisiana, a state patrol officer told The New York Times on Tuesday.
That number includes someone who ran into the back of a truck spreading salt.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein warns residents against travel

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina urges that residents avoid travel on Tuesday evening and Wednesday.
“The roads are the most dangerous place to be in a winter storm like this,” he said.
Winter storm warnings and advisories remain in effect through Wednesday in Alabama
US sees more than 2,000 flight cancelations after winter storm wallops nation leaving 220 million feeling the chill
Atlanta airport sees hundreds of flights affected by delays and cancellations as fliers report major lines
Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport said Tuesday afternoon that, ahead of frozen precipitation, teams had pre-treated runways.
“ATL is using 36 pieces of equipment (trucks, plows, brushes, deicing spreaders) to keep the airfield operational,” the airport wrote on social media.
Hundreds of flights there were impacted by delays and cancellations, according to WSBTV.
Source: independent.co.uk