Governors have declared states of emergency, airports are closing, and residents are being urged to stay indoors as the region prepares for a storm that could rewrite weather records.

A rare winter storm is expected to bring 1 to 6 inches of snow to Gulf Coast cities, including Houston, New Orleans, Pensacola, and Baton Rouge.
Governors in Louisiana and Florida have declared states of emergency, while Houston has suspended flight operations.
The storm could impact 55 million people, with temperatures dropping 20 to 40 degrees below average.
New Orleans, which hasn't seen record-able snowfall since 2009, is under a blizzard warning, as winds reach 25 mph.
The storm's aftermath could bring freezing rain to coastal Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
Many people along the Gulf Coast have never seen snow in their lives and are looking forward to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see snow accumulate on the ground.
The snowfall could potentially cover areas of the Gulf of America, as rare low temperatures support icy conditions in the traditionally tropical waters.
The white, sandy beaches spanning Gulf Shores, Alabama to Panama City Beach, Florida could be blanketed by a glaze of snow and ice.
A region unprepared for winter's wrath

The Gulf Coast, known for its humid subtropical climate, is no stranger to extreme weather — hurricanes, flooding, and tornadoes are common. But blizzard like conditions? That's a different story. The Gulf Coast is lucky to see snow flurries in a given decade, let alone see snowfall that sticks to the ground.

Because of this, the region lacks the infrastructure and resources to handle heavy snowfall, making this storm particularly dangerous. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry emphasized the gravity of the situation at a news conference: "It is extremely important to stay off the road. Unless you absolutely need to be on the road, stay at home and stay warm." Most people in the area don't own coats, snow shovels, or plows and are not prepared.

New Orleans, a city that last saw measurable snowfall in 2009, is under a winter storm warning. Forecasts predict up to 6 inches of snow in parts of Louisiana and Texas, with other Gulf Coast states expecting a lighter dusting. Interstate 10, a critical artery connecting New Orleans to the Florida Panhandle, is expected to face moderate snowfall, complicating travel for thousands.