Historic Snowstorm Sweeps Across Southern US, Causing Fatalities and Flight Disruptions

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A rare winter storm is currently impacting the southern United States, bringing blizzard-like conditions and resulting in significant disruptions. With four reported fatalities linked to the storm, including two cases of hypothermia in Georgia and Milwaukee, authorities are sounding alarms as the storm intensifies.

Weather forecasts indicate unprecedented snowfall, prompting southwest Louisiana to issue its first-ever blizzard warning. The National Weather Service has predicted historic snowfalls, with regions from the western Florida Panhandle to eastern Texas expected to receive over an inch of snow per hour.

In Pensacola, Florida, 6.5 inches of snow has fallen, breaking records held since the 1890s. New Orleans experienced more than 10 inches, marking the area's heaviest snowfall in a century. These unusual conditions have resulted in the cancellation of over 2,200 flights and delays for an additional 3,000 as airlines struggle to navigate the harsh weather.

As the storm unfolds, officials in various counties have declared states of emergency. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the Mayor of Buffalo, Christopher Scanlon have both responded to the severe weather with emergency measures to ensure public safety.

Conditions remain extremely hazardous, and residents are urged to avoid travel as the storm continues to progress across the region.

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