section_path: Types/Cold snaps and winter storms
section_name: Cold snaps and winter storms
paragraph_text: Cold snaps and winter storms
  
  In January, an unusual cold snap brought extremely cold temperatures to much of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It was the coldest January ever in much of North America in at least 10 years, bringing temperatures as much as 20–35 °F (11.1–19.4 °C) below average to a majority of the United States, starting from the polar vortex pushing down south after the passage of an arctic front on January 2. The lowest temperature was −36 °C (−33 °F) in parts of Saskatchewan, Canada. On January 9–11, a winter storm caused significant impacts in the southern United States, where 2.2 inches (5.6 cm) of snow fell in Dallas, Texas, while 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) of snow fell in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In the Southeast, 2.1 inches (5.3 cm) of snow fell in Atlanta, Georgia, while 7 inches (18 cm) of snow fell in Memphis, Tennessee. On January 18–20, a nor'easter brought several inches of snow to many parts of the Northeast, but due to its speed, it limited the extent of snow accumulation. The majority of New Jersey received snow totals of 4–6 inches (10–15 cm), with thundersnow being reported near Essex County. 1.6 inches (4.1 cm) of snow fell in Central Park, New York City, while 8.1 inches (21 cm) of snow fell in Highland Mills, the highest snow total for New York State. On January 20–22, a historic blizzard in the Gulf Coast ensued, where it brought blizzard conditions and heavy snow to areas that usually see little to no snow. States of emergencies were issued in Florida and Mississippi to prepare for any potential impact. For the first time in history, a blizzard warning was issued in parts of coastal Louisiana and parts of coastal Texas. Up to 6 inches (15 cm) of snow fell in parts of the Greater Houston area, especially in La Porte, with Beaumont setting an all-time low temperature of 11 °F (−12 °C). In Louisiana, 13.4 inches (34 cm) of snow fell near Grand Coteau, the highest snowfall recorded in the Gulf Coast, 10 inches (25 cm) of snow fell in New Orleans, and 8 inches (20 cm) of snow fell in Baton Rouge. In Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and New Iberia, record low temperatures were set at 7 °F (−14 °C), 4 °F (−16 °C) and 2 °F (−17 °C) respectively. In Mississippi, 9 inches (23 cm) of snow fell in Ocean Springs, and 6.5 inches (17 cm) of snow fell around Gulf Park estates, likely shattering snowfall records. In Alabama, 11 inches (28 cm) of snow fell in Babbie, while 7.5 in (19 cm) of snow fell in Mobile Regional Airport, shattering the record of 6 inches (15 cm) in the latter city. In Florida, 10 inches (25 cm) of snow fell in Milton, while Pensacola saw 8.9 inches (23 cm) of snow, shattering the statewide record for the state. In Georgia and the Carolinas, Cordele, Georgia saw 9 in (23 cm) of snow fell, with a wide area of southwest Georgia seeing 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) of snow. The Atlanta Metro area observed 1 inch (2.5 cm) of snow, with temperatures at 21 °F (−6 °C) in the Atlanta area, 14 °F (−10 °C) in northwest Georgia, and 10 °F (−12 °C) in northeast Georgia. In the Carolinas, 4.5 in (11 cm) of snow fell in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 4 inches (10 cm) of snow fell in Charleston, and 6 inches (15 cm) of snow fell in Cross. In North Carolina, snowfall of about 3–6 inches (7.6–15.2 cm) was reported, with locally higher amounts to 7 inches (18 cm) being reported. 2.6 inches (6.6 cm) of snowfall was reported at Wilmington International Airport.