New Orleans weather

Snow in New Orleans? You Bet! Just Don’t Slip On Your Beignets!

Historic snowfall takes New Orleans by surprise! Learn how the Big Easy is coping with winter chaos and why it has snowed more here than in Alaska!

New Orleans, famously known for its vibrant nightlife and jazz music, recently found itself under a stunning blanket of snow, leaving residents in awe and disbelief. The city, usually accustomed to mild winters, was hit by a snowstorm that dumped nearly a foot of snow in certain areas, quite a shocking twist for those used to balmy nights and fat Tuesday celebrations. As they dug out from the white wonderland, everyone wondered – where were the snow shovels next to the po’boys?

As the snowstorm’s aftermath was managed, the City of New Orleans’ Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) ramped up efforts to keep the public informed about the treacherous conditions that awaited. Icy roads created hazardous situations, making travel downright dangerous! Residents were cautioned about nightly freezes, a phenomenon that turned the roads into ice rinks — perfect for some, not so great for those with plans. Good luck finding your way to the nearest café for a hot cup of café au lait when the streets resemble a scene from a winter Olympic event!

Interestingly enough, while the snow blanketed the iconic streets of New Orleans, cities further north were wondering what the big fuss was about. Metro New Orleans received more snowfall since meteorological winter began than some places like Anchorage, Alaska. That should give snow-lovers a chuckle! Who would’ve thought that the Big Easy would turn into the Big Icy? Even locals were left pondering whether this was just another episode of climate change or some bizarre winter prank played by Mother Nature.

As video footage circulated online, timelapse shots of Bourbon Street transformed into a winter wonderland went viral. The sight of watching snowflakes dance down on a place known more for its wild parties than winter sports captured the hearts and memes of many! So, as residents dust off their snow gear next to their NOLA-style summer attire, the question remains: when it comes to snow, is New Orleans officially the new Miami?

Fun fact: Did you know that the average annual snowfall for New Orleans is a mere one inch? This makes the recent eight inches all the more impressive! Additionally, Bourbon Street hasn’t seen snow like this since 2008, which means it could be a rare sighting akin to finding a unicorn at Mardi Gras!