A major winter storm has swept across the southern United States, delivering heavy snowfall and icy conditions to regions unaccustomed to such weather. New Orleans experienced its first significant snowstorm in decades, while parts of Florida and the Carolinas dealt with substantial ice accumulation. The unusual weather has caused widespread power outages, closed schools, and resulted in major transportation disruptions, including flight cancellations and road closures. Emergency services are responding to dozens of calls for assistance, and authorities are urging residents to remain indoors to avoid accidents and hypothermia risks. Meteorologists have attributed this event to an unusual polar vortex pattern, raising concerns about the increasing frequency of extreme weather.