Winter Storm Enzo recently swept through the Southeastern United States, leaving a blanket of snow in its wake and transforming familiar landscapes into winter wonderlands. States like Texas, Louisiana, and even Florida experienced record-breaking snowfall, causing widespread school closures, travel disruptions, and, surprisingly, a flurry of joyful snow day activities. From impromptu snowball fights to creative snowman building, residents embraced the rare opportunity to experience a winter wonderland in typically warm climates.
A Rare Sight: Snowfall in the South
The unusual winter storm, dubbed Winter Storm Enzo, hit the Southeast with significant snowfall on Tuesday, January 21st, 2025. Major cities including Houston, Jacksonville, and New Orleans found themselves grappling with several inches of snow and icy conditions. The storm’s arrival came as a surprise to many, as these areas rarely experience such significant snowfall. This unusual weather event even impacted preparations for major upcoming events like the Super Bowl in New Orleans and the city’s iconic Mardi Gras celebrations.
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New Orleans Resident Celebrates with a Mardi Gras Snowman
Amidst the flurry of activity, New Orleans resident Corice Saunders, mother of PEOPLE reporter Angel Saunders, decided to celebrate the occasion with a unique creation: a Mardi Gras-themed snowman. In an interview with PEOPLE, the 63-year-old retired teacher shared her experience, describing the snowman building as “a lot of fun and something different to do.” With roads closed and travel restricted, Saunders and her friends engaged in a friendly competition, sharing pictures of various snow-themed challenges they undertook.
Inspired by a challenge from her cousin in Atlanta, Saunders crafted a snowman adorned with Mardi Gras flair. Limited by available resources, she opted for a creative solution, using pickles as eyes for the snowman. This unconventional choice added a touch of humor and ingenuity to her snowy creation.
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Record-Breaking Snowfall Across the Region
The snowfall brought by Winter Storm Enzo shattered long-standing records in several cities and towns across the Southeast. Pensacola, Florida, recorded an astounding 7.6 inches of snow, breaking a 130-year-old record of three inches. Mobile, Alabama, experienced over seven inches of snow, surpassing a record set in 1895. New Orleans tied its own historical record from 1895 with an impressive 10 inches of snow.
The Impact of the Storm
While the snowfall brought joy and unique experiences for many, Winter Storm Enzo also had significant impacts on the region. The extreme winter weather led to at least ten reported deaths, highlighting the dangers associated with such unusual weather events in areas unprepared for heavy snow and ice. Road closures, power outages, and transportation disruptions were widespread, affecting daily life for millions of residents.
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A Lifelong Resident Reflects on the Historic Snowfall
Corice Saunders, a lifelong resident of New Orleans, shared with PEOPLE that this was the most snow she had ever witnessed in her hometown. The snow covered everything – rooftops, streets, lawns, driveways, and even her car – a sight rarely seen in the city. As the snow was expected to persist, Saunders expressed anticipation for more snow-day activities and the creative challenges her friends would come up with. The storm, while disruptive, provided a unique and memorable experience for residents of the Southeast, reminding them of the power of nature and the resilience of community in the face of unexpected events. The record-breaking snowfall of Winter Storm Enzo will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant weather event in the history of the region.
