Snowstorm Statistics in US 2025 | Key Facts

Snowstorm in America 2025

The 2025 winter season has witnessed some of the most remarkable and record-breaking snowstorm events in recent American history, particularly affecting regions unaccustomed to heavy winter precipitation. From the historic Gulf Coast blizzard that dropped unprecedented snowfall across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida in January, to the massive Thanksgiving weekend winter storm that impacted over 54 million people across the Midwest and Great Lakes in late November, these weather phenomena have dramatically reshaped our understanding of winter weather patterns in the United States. The Thanksgiving 2025 storm alone dumped over 8 inches of snow across northern Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan, with blizzard warnings affecting 13 million people and winter storm alerts stretching from Montana to Ohio. The January 2025 events affected an estimated 273 million people, representing approximately 80 percent of the continental United States population under freezing conditions.

The 2025 snowstorm season has been characterized by extreme variability, with southern states experiencing once-in-a-century snowfall events while traditional snow belt regions faced their own challenges with heavy accumulations and blizzard conditions. The post-Thanksgiving storm created hazardous travel conditions with more than 1,800 flights cancelled and over 1,100 flights at Chicago O’Hare International Airport alone disrupted. Interstate 70 near Terre Haute, Indiana, saw a massive pileup involving 45 vehicles including 10 semi trucks, while Iowa State Patrol rescued nearly 200 people from ditches. According to the National Weather Service and NOAA Climate data, these storms throughout 2025 have resulted in significant impacts including at least 30 fatalities, thousands of flight cancellations exceeding 10,000 cancelled flights across multiple events, widespread power outages affecting over 500,000 customers collectively, and billions of dollars in economic damages estimated at over $200 million for the January Gulf Coast event alone.

Interesting Stats & Facts About Snowstorm in the US 2025

Data sources: National Weather Service, NOAA, National Digital Forecast Database, Wikipedia 2025 Gulf Coast Blizzard

The facts presented in this table reveal the extraordinary nature of the 2025 snowstorm season across the United States. The January Gulf Coast blizzard stands out as a truly historic weather event, marking the first time in recorded history that blizzard conditions were officially documented along the Gulf Coast shoreline. This milestone demonstrates how dramatically weather patterns have shifted, bringing winter conditions to regions that rarely experience freezing temperatures, let alone significant snowfall accumulation. The 10 inches of snow that fell in New Orleans represents nearly four times the city’s previous modern record, an achievement that left meteorologists and residents alike in awe of the storm’s intensity and duration.

The scale of population impact during these 2025 winter weather events cannot be overstated. When 273 million Americans find themselves under freezing conditions simultaneously, it represents one of the most widespread weather phenomena in recent US history. The infrastructure challenges became immediately apparent, with the collapse of the Mobile Civic Center roof serving as a stark reminder that southern structures were never designed to bear the weight of heavy snow loads. Transportation networks across the affected regions ground to a virtual halt, with the 150-mile closure of Interstate 10 in Louisiana and the massive vehicle pileup involving 45 vehicles on Interstate 70 in Indiana highlighting the dangerous conditions that persisted for days after the initial snowfall. These statistics underscore the vulnerability of regions unaccustomed to winter weather and the cascading effects that occur when snow removal equipment and winter preparation protocols are either absent or inadequate for the severity of the conditions experienced.

Snowfall Accumulation Records in the US 2025

Data source: National Weather Service, NOAA National Digital Forecast Database, Wikipedia 2025 Gulf Coast Blizzard

The snowfall accumulation records broken during the January 2025 Gulf Coast blizzard represent some of the most significant meteorological achievements in over a century for the southern United States. New Orleans, a city synonymous with subtropical climate and Mardi Gras celebrations, found itself buried under 10 inches of snow, demolishing its previous modern record by nearly 7.3 inches. This accumulation was particularly remarkable because it exceeded the snowfall totals of many northern cities during the same period, including Anchorage, Alaska. The city of Chalmette in Louisiana recorded an astounding 11.5 inches, making it one of the hardest-hit locations during the entire event. Mobile, Alabama shattered a record that had stood for 130 years, dating back to February 1895, demonstrating just how rare and exceptional this weather phenomenon truly was.

Florida’s snowfall records were equally impressive, with Milton receiving a preliminary 10 inches that potentially broke the state record that had endured since 1954. Pensacola’s 7.6 inches more than tripled its previous record of 2.3 inches, while Tallahassee, the state capital, measured 1.9 inches of snow, a significant event for a city that rarely sees frozen precipitation. The widespread nature of these record-breaking accumulations across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida underscores the unusual atmospheric conditions that persisted during this historic storm. Meteorologists noted that the combination of abundant Gulf moisture, unusually cold air masses, and favorable upper-level dynamics created the perfect recipe for this once-in-a-generation snowfall event across the Deep South.

Fatalities and Casualties from Snowstorm in the US 2025

Data source: National Weather Service reports, state emergency management agencies, news reports compiled from NOAA weather data

The tragic loss of life during the 2025 snowstorm season highlights the deadly serious nature of winter weather events, particularly when they strike regions unprepared for such conditions. The January Gulf Coast blizzard claimed at least 22 lives across five southern states, with Louisiana bearing the heaviest toll at 8 deaths. Many of these fatalities resulted from carbon monoxide poisoning as residents, unfamiliar with winter heating protocols, improperly used generators or heating equipment indoors. Hypothermia-related deaths occurred as homeless populations and individuals caught unprepared faced life-threatening cold without adequate shelter or clothing. Traffic accidents on ice-covered roads claimed additional lives as drivers unaccustomed to winter driving conditions lost control of their vehicles on untreated highways and local streets.

The Thanksgiving weekend storm added at least 8 more fatalities to the 2025 winter weather death toll, bringing the season total to approximately 30 deaths across the United States. The massive 45-vehicle pileup on Interstate 70 in Indiana, while resulting in injuries, fortunately did not add to the fatality count, though it served as a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can deteriorate during winter storms. Emergency responders across affected states worked around the clock to rescue stranded motorists, with Iowa State Patrol alone rescuing nearly 200 people from roadside ditches during the Thanksgiving storm. These statistics underscore the critical importance of heeding weather warnings, preparing emergency supplies, and understanding proper winter safety protocols, especially in regions where residents may lack experience with severe winter weather conditions.

Flight Cancellations and Travel Disruptions in the US 2025

Data source: FlightAware, FAA reports, state transportation departments, National Weather Service

The transportation disruptions caused by 2025 snowstorms created a cascading effect across the United States aviation network, with over 10,000 flight cancellations recorded throughout the year’s winter weather events. Chicago O’Hare International Airport, one of the nation’s busiest aviation hubs, experienced particularly severe impacts during the Thanksgiving weekend storm, with over 1,100 flights cancelled as heavy snow and blizzard conditions made operations impossible. This single-hub disruption rippled across the entire national air travel system, as connecting flights were cancelled and passengers found themselves stranded far from their holiday destinations. The Thanksgiving storm’s timing couldn’t have been worse, affecting 54 million people attempting to travel during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

The January Gulf Coast blizzard created unprecedented aviation chaos across a region where major winter weather disruptions are exceedingly rare. Approximately 3,000 flights were cancelled at Gulf Coast airports including Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Mobile Regional Airport, and Pensacola International Airport as runways became snow-covered and de-icing equipment was either unavailable or insufficient for the conditions. Ground transportation fared no better, with the 150-mile closure of Interstate 10 in Louisiana effectively cutting off the primary east-west corridor along the Gulf Coast. The 45-vehicle pileup on Interstate 70 in Indiana, involving 10 semi trucks, demonstrated how quickly winter conditions can create life-threatening situations on highways. These transportation statistics reveal not only the immediate disruption caused by snowstorms but also the economic ripple effects as goods couldn’t reach their destinations and commerce ground to a halt across affected regions.

Power Outages and Infrastructure Damage in the US 2025

Data source: State utility companies, emergency management agencies, National Weather Service, local news reports

The power outage crisis that accompanied the 2025 snowstorms affected over 500,000 customers collectively across multiple states, creating dangerous conditions as temperatures plummeted and residents found themselves without heating during record cold. Louisiana experienced the most severe power disruptions, with over 200,000 customers losing electricity at the peak of the Gulf Coast blizzard. The extended duration of these outages, lasting up to 5 days in some areas, proved particularly challenging as utility crews struggled to reach damaged infrastructure on snow-covered and ice-slicked roads. Mississippi followed closely with approximately 150,000 customers without power, as ice accumulation on power lines caused widespread failures across the state. The combination of heavy, wet snow and ice proved devastating to power infrastructure that was never designed to withstand such winter conditions.

Infrastructure damage extended far beyond power systems during the 2025 snowstorm season. The most dramatic structural failure occurred at the Mobile Civic Center, where the roof collapsed under the weight of accumulated snow on January 22, 2025. While the building was already scheduled for demolition, the collapse highlighted the vulnerability of structures in southern states that lack the engineering specifications necessary to support heavy snow loads. Highway infrastructure faced its own challenges, with numerous bridge closures across affected regions as engineers assessed whether structures could safely bear the weight of snow-covered vehicles and accumulated ice. The 150-mile closure of Interstate 10 in Louisiana wasn’t merely a traffic inconvenience but a critical infrastructure failure that cut off emergency response capabilities and supply chains across the region. These infrastructure impacts demonstrate that the true cost of snowstorms extends far beyond immediate weather effects, creating long-term challenges for communities as they work to repair and upgrade systems to handle increasingly unpredictable winter weather patterns.

Economic Impact of Snowstorm in the US 2025

Data source: State emergency management estimates, insurance industry reports, NOAA economic impact assessments, news compilation from verified sources

The economic devastation wrought by the 2025 snowstorm season reaches into the billions of dollars, with preliminary estimates suggesting over $1.2 billion in total economic impact across affected regions. The January Gulf Coast blizzard alone accounted for over $200 million in direct property damage as buildings designed for subtropical climates failed under snow loads, pipes burst in uninsulated structures, and roofs collapsed under weight they were never engineered to support. Business interruption losses proved even more substantial, with an estimated $500 million in lost revenue as retail establishments, hotels, restaurants, and service businesses were forced to close for days during and after the storm. The timing of these closures proved particularly costly, as the winter storms disrupted critical business periods including the post-holiday retail season and the Thanksgiving travel weekend.

Transportation sector losses exceeded $150 million as airlines cancelled over 10,000 flights throughout the 2025 storm season, leaving passengers stranded and cargo undelivered. The cascading effects of these cancellations extended for weeks as airlines struggled to reposition aircraft and crews while accommodating displaced passengers. Agriculture suffered unexpected and severe losses approaching $100 million, particularly in Gulf Coast states where farmers had no reason to anticipate the need for freeze protection measures. Citrus crops, winter vegetables, and livestock all experienced significant losses as temperatures plummeted to levels not seen in generations. Emergency response costs exceeded $75 million as state and local governments deployed resources, personnel, and equipment to respond to the unprecedented winter weather. Utility companies faced repair bills estimated at $125 million as they worked to restore power to over 500,000 affected customers and rebuild infrastructure damaged by ice and snow. These economic statistics reveal that the true cost of the 2025 snowstorm season extends far beyond immediate weather-related expenses, creating long-term financial challenges for individuals, businesses, and governments across affected regions.

Temperature Records and Cold Snaps in the US 2025

Data source: National Weather Service, NOAA temperature records, National Digital Forecast Database

The temperature extremes recorded during the 2025 snowstorm season represent some of the most significant cold weather events in decades for the southern United States. Pensacola, Florida plummeted to 13°F on January 22, 2025, setting a new daily record low and bringing temperatures more typical of northern states to the Gulf Coast. The widespread nature of these record lows was particularly striking, with virtually every major city along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida experiencing temperatures 25 to 30 degrees below average for late January. Mobile, Alabama registered 15°F, while New Orleans shivered at 18°F, temperatures that would be notable even in mid-winter, let alone for a region accustomed to mild winters where freezing temperatures are brief and infrequent.

The prolonged duration of these cold snaps proved as challenging as the extreme temperatures themselves. Unlike typical southern cold fronts that push through quickly, the January 2025 cold air mass stagnated over the region for multiple days, keeping temperatures well below freezing and preventing any melting of the accumulated snow. This persistence created a compounding effect where the snow remained on the ground, continuing to disrupt transportation and daily life far longer than would occur with a typical winter weather event. The Thanksgiving weekend storm brought below-zero temperatures to portions of the Midwest, with the cold air mass extending southward and affecting regions from Montana through the Great Lakes. These temperature statistics reveal that the 2025 winter season wasn’t merely about snowfall accumulation but also about the arrival of Arctic air masses in regions where such extreme cold rarely penetrates, creating dangerous conditions for populations unaccustomed to protecting themselves, their homes, and their infrastructure from severe winter weather.

Winter Storm Warnings and Weather Alerts in the US 2025

Data source: National Weather Service alert system, NOAA weather warnings database, emergency management agencies

The weather warning system worked at unprecedented capacity during the 2025 snowstorm season, issuing alerts that affected hundreds of millions of Americans across multiple storm events. The scope of these warnings reached historic proportions during the January Gulf Coast blizzard when 273 million people, representing approximately 80 percent of the continental United States population, found themselves under some form of winter weather alert or freezing condition warning. This marked one of the most extensive weather alert activations in National Weather Service history, reflecting both the geographic scope and the severity of the winter weather outbreak. The first-ever blizzard warnings issued for the Gulf Coast represented a milestone in meteorological forecasting, as forecasters grappled with predicting and communicating the severity of winter weather to populations with little experience interpreting such warnings.

The Thanksgiving weekend storm triggered blizzard warnings affecting 13 million people across a swath stretching from Montana through the Great Lakes to Ohio, while broader winter storm warnings encompassed 54 million people across the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. These alerts proved critical in helping residents prepare for dangerous conditions, though the sheer number of people affected created challenges for emergency management agencies attempting to coordinate responses across multiple states simultaneously. Hard freeze warnings covering 50 million people along the Gulf Coast emphasized the life-threatening nature of the extreme cold for regions where homes often lack adequate insulation and residents may not own proper winter clothing. The National Weather Service’s proactive approach to issuing these warnings, often days in advance, undoubtedly saved lives by giving people time to prepare emergency supplies, make travel decisions, and take protective measures for their homes and families. The extensive alert coverage throughout the 2025 season underscores both the severity of the winter weather and the critical importance of advanced weather forecasting and communication systems in protecting public safety.

Snow Removal and Emergency Response in the US 2025

Data source: State transportation departments, emergency management agencies, National Guard reports, National Weather Service coordination data

The emergency response to the 2025 snowstorm season revealed stark disparities in winter weather preparedness between regions accustomed to severe winter conditions and those that rarely face such challenges. Gulf Coast states found themselves woefully unprepared for the January blizzard, with Louisiana possessing only a handful of snowplows and minimal stockpiles of road salt or sand. The state was forced to borrow equipment from as far away as Kentucky and Tennessee, with snowplows making the journey south to help clear critical roadways. Mississippi and Alabama faced similar challenges, activating their National Guard units and calling for emergency equipment procurement as the magnitude of the snow removal task became apparent. Florida had virtually no snow removal infrastructure whatsoever, leaving communities to rely on natural melting once temperatures rose above freezing.

The scale of the emergency response across the Gulf Coast required coordination between multiple states and federal agencies, with tens of thousands of emergency personnel deployed across the affected region. Road salt and sand had to be transported from northern states, with over 100,000 tons of materials moved south during the peak response period. The Iowa State Patrol’s heroic efforts during the Thanksgiving storm demonstrated what proper preparation looks like, as trained personnel using appropriate equipment conducted nearly 200 rescues of stranded motorists despite challenging blizzard conditions. The contrast between the smooth (albeit strained) operations in states with established winter weather protocols and the chaotic emergency responses in unprepared southern states highlighted a critical infrastructure gap. Many transportation officials in Gulf Coast states have since called for investments in basic winter weather equipment and training, recognizing that climate variability may bring similar events in the future. These emergency response statistics underscore the importance of regional preparedness planning and the value of interstate cooperation in responding to weather disasters that exceed local capabilities.

Regional Snowfall Distribution Across the US 2025

Data source: NOAA Regional Climate Centers, National Weather Service regional offices, National Digital Forecast Database

The regional distribution of snowfall during the 2025 winter season revealed remarkable geographic variability, with the most significant anomalies occurring across the Gulf Coast and Deep South. The Gulf Coast region, spanning from eastern Texas through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and into the Florida Panhandle, experienced snowfall totals of 6 to 11 inches across widespread areas, representing an extreme departure from climatological norms. These states typically measure annual snowfall in trace amounts or single inches at most, making the 11.5 inches recorded in Chalmette, Louisiana an event of historic proportions. The Deep South, including Georgia and the Carolinas, also received above-normal snowfall during the January event, though accumulations were generally lighter than along the immediate Gulf Coast.

Traditional snow belt regions across the Midwest saw more typical winter weather patterns during the Thanksgiving storm, with 8 to 15 inches of snowfall across Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. While these amounts were not unusual for late November in these states, the timing during the busiest travel weekend of the year amplified the impacts significantly. The Great Plains states from Montana through Nebraska experienced 10 to 20 inches of snow across multiple storm events throughout the season, representing normal to above-normal winter precipitation for the region. Mountain regions in the Rockies and Cascades accumulated heavy seasonal snowfall, providing excellent conditions for winter recreation while also contributing to spring water supplies. This regional analysis demonstrates that while 2025 brought unprecedented winter weather to southern states, northern regions experienced a relatively typical winter season.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

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