NEW ORLEANS – A significant winter storm swept through Louisiana on Tuesday, transforming New Orleans into an unexpected winter wonderland. The city experienced blizzard-like conditions, leading to heavy snowfall that blanketed typically warm palm trees and brought usual activities to a halt.
This rare winter storm triggered the National Weather Service to issue its first-ever Blizzard Warning for southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas. By noon, New Orleans had already broken its one-day snowfall record, with Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport measuring 4 inches of snow—surpassing the previous record of 2.7 inches set on December 31, 1963. As the day progressed, snowfall continued, creating a picturesque scene across the city.
Footage captured by FOX Weather Correspondent Brandy Campbell showcased the first snowflakes arriving in New Orleans. As morning dawned, Canal Street and the Central Business District were covered in a beautiful layer of powdery snow, turning the iconic areas into a snowy panorama.
The impact of the storm was felt beyond just the beauty, as officials from the Louisiana Department of Transportation worked diligently to manage the conditions, urging residents to remain off the roads for their safety. The unusual scenery along Lake Pontchartrain witnessed palm trees swaying gently in the gusty winds, which exceeded 45 mph, as snow continued to fall.
Reports indicated that Baton Rouge also saw significant snowfall, accumulating 4 inches by midday. Meanwhile, parts of Interstate 10 faced closures due to the accumulating snow, as DOT cameras captured the unusual sight of snow-covered highways.
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for New Orleans through Tuesday evening, with forecasts predicting an additional 3 to 7 inches of snow through Wednesday.
While such extreme weather conditions can disrupt daily life, they also highlight the beauty of nature’s unpredictability, reminding residents and visitors of the region’s capacity for wonder even in the colder months. This winter storm, although challenging, provides a unique opportunity for the community to come together and experience a rare phenomenon in the heart of the South.