When will the South dig itself out of the winter storm? When can you expect a thaw.

On January 23, 2025By Littum

The promise of warmer temperatures on Thursday should bring some relief to millions of Americans from Texas to Florida encased in ice after the region’s deadliest winter storm in decades.

Houston, where some areas saw up to 6 inches of snow Tuesday, could reach 50 degrees Thursday, the National Weather Service said. Lafayette, Louisiana, where nearly a foot of snow fell, could see 42 degrees. Mobile, Alabama, two days after a record snowfall of 7.5 inches, was forecast to reach 45 degrees and Pensacola, Florida, where records also fell, could reach 44 degrees.

The thaw is much-needed as state and local officials scramble to clear roads rendered unsafe by the storm and sometimes deal with plow shortages in states that rarely need them.

“This is a very unusual winter weather event affecting nearly three-quarters of the state, and our crews cannot be everywhere at once,” Georgia Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurry said in a declaration. “Georgia DOT will need time, the ability to access the roads to treat or plow, and warmer temperatures working in our favor to help restore and maintain passable conditions.”

Developments:

∎ At least 12 people have died, including seven in Texas.

∎ In Florida, the 9.8 inches of snow recorded in Milton more than doubled the previous state record set nearby in 1954.

Meteorologist Ryan Maue poked fun at President Donald Trump’s efforts to rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. Maue posted a map of the United States on social mediashowing the bitterly cold temperatures across the Gulf Coast.

“Great start for the newly discovered Golf of America,” Maue wrote. “Explorers note that the climate is polar with heavy snow and ice observed along the coast.”

AccuWeather issued a preliminary estimate of $14-17 billion across the South for total damage and economic loss from snow, ice and extreme cold. AccuWeather Chief meteorologist Jonathan Porter noted that businesses have been forced to shut down, sometimes for days, and supply chains and shipping logistics have been severely disrupted.

“With the cold remaining in place, the impacts and disruptions from this winter storm will be felt in the coming days,” Porter said.

In Florida, police in Tallahassee have advised residents to stay off icy roads. But a handful of brave patrons made their way to a local Waffle House Wednesday morning — bundled up with fresh cups of coffee to warm their hands on the ride home. The full menu was not available, but Tallahassee’s Waffle Houses served the “Emergency Bowl Menu.” Customers could enjoy a bacon, egg and cheese bowl with their hash browns. Best known as an indicator of the severity of a hurricane threat, Waffle House easily weathered Florida’s winter storm threat in Tallahassee.

A Waffle House representative said the limited menu is designed to accommodate lower staffing levels and to serve guests quickly. The chain’s website lists eight 24-hour locations in and around the city.

− Kyla A Sanford, Tallahassee Democrat

As snow blankets much of the US in a rare winter storm hitting large swaths of the country, cheeky-named plows and salt trucks are getting ready to pick up the mess Massachusetts to Nebraska, Arlington, Va. to Wichita, Kan. In the past few years, cities and states across the country have begun holding naming contests for snowplows and other winter weather vehicles. The goal: add some levity to stressful storms, promote safe driving and shine a light on the work of emergency responders.

“We thought this would be a fun and engaging way to connect and engage with Connecticut residents and commuters — all in the name of safety,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation spokesman Josh Morgan. “It’s a reminder to them not to bump into us, to take it easy and slow down on the roads.” Read more here.

− Karissa Waddick