A massive winter storm battered the United States. It brought severe cold from coast to coast. Millions faced icy conditions and heavy snow. Florida experienced an unusual phenomenon. Cold-stunned iguanas fell from trees. This news highlights a dramatic weather event. The headline itself hints at the bizarre contrast. This storm is trending globally.
Widespread Winter Fury Grips the Nation
A powerful bomb cyclone fueled the extreme weather. This intense system rapidly strengthened. It swept across a vast area. The storm impacted regions from the Gulf Coast to New England. Approximately 150 million people faced cold weather advisories. Extreme cold warnings blanketed much of the eastern US. Wind chills plunged to dangerous single digits. This brought bitter cold to many.
Snow Blankets North Carolina and Beyond
North Carolina bore the brunt of the heavy snowfall. The state saw nearly a foot of snow in some areas. Charlotte, its largest city, experienced a top-five snow event. James City reported 18 inches of snow. Swansboro recorded 17 inches. Nearby towns also saw significant accumulations. Lexington received 40cm of snow. Faust in the Walnut Mountains got 56cm. This unprecedented snow caused major disruptions. Roads became impassable. Travel became extremely dangerous.
Florida’s Iguana Incident
Meanwhile, Florida dealt with an unusual cold snap. South Florida recorded its coldest air mass since December 1989. Temperatures in the Panhandle dropped into the 20s. South Florida saw temps in the 30s. Snow flurries dusted areas near Tampa. Record low temperatures hit Daytona Beach (23F), Melbourne (25F), and Vero Beach (26F). Miami experienced its coldest morning since 2010 at 35F. This deep freeze had a peculiar effect. Iguanas, typically found basking in warmth, became incapacitated. These cold-blooded reptiles rely on external heat. Their body temperature drops significantly in cold weather. Their metabolism slows. Bodily functions decelerate. They enter a state of torpor. This leads to cold-stunning. Iguanas lose muscle control. Consequently, they become immobile. They often fall from trees. Videos surfaced showing stunned iguanas on pavements. These reptiles were not dead. They were simply stunned. They usually recover when temperatures rise. However, prolonged extreme cold can be fatal.
Travel Chaos and Power Disruptions
The winter storm severely impacted air travel. Flight cancellations soared across the country. Over 2,800 flights were canceled on Saturday. Another 1,500 to 1,800 flights were scrubbed on Sunday. Charlotte Douglas International Airport alone saw over 800 cancellations. This created significant travel headaches. Many travelers were stranded. Thousands lost electrical power. Power outages plagued southern states. Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida, and Louisiana were hardest hit. Florida reported about 29,000 power outages. Road collisions increased dramatically in affected areas. North Carolina saw over 1,000 storm-related crashes. Some highways experienced ocean overwash due to high winds and tides.
Agricultural and Wildlife Concerns
The cold blast also threatened Florida’s agriculture. Icicles formed on strawberries and oranges. Farmers often spray water on fruit to protect crops. The Florida Commissioner of Agriculture requested federal disaster aid. He cited anticipated heavy crop damage. The cold also affected other wildlife. Manatees sought warmer waters. Some species may face challenges surviving prolonged cold. This event serves as a stark reminder of nature’s power.
A Look Back at Historic Cold
This cold snap in South Florida was notable. It was the coldest air mass seen since December 1989. For Mississippi, the storm brought conditions not seen since 1994. Such comparisons highlight the severity. Florida’s history includes severe cold. The record low of -2°F occurred in Tallahassee in 1899. This recent event, while not a record low, brought unusual cold to southern areas. The news of falling iguanas quickly spread. It captured public attention nationwide.
Lingering Effects and Preparedness
As temperatures gradually rise, most affected areas will begin recovery. However, the impacts are significant. Widespread power outages took time to resolve. Road clearing continued for days. The agricultural sector faces losses. The event underscores the need for preparedness. It highlights the unpredictable nature of severe weather. The nation continues to monitor weather patterns. Future storms may bring similar challenges.
