It's not often we see snow in Louisiana. And when we do see it, 99% of the time, it's just a few flurries or maybe a light dusting. But, the snow storm that hit Louisiana yesterday was rare in that not only did we have accumulation but we saw totals we haven't seen in decades. I know I can't think of a time where the French Quarter in New Orleans was coated in snow. So, this is about as rare as rare gets.

Louisiana's Record Breaking Snow Day

I can't stress this enough but Louisiana doesn't get snow. In fact, according to the National Weather Service, the only 2 states that see less snow annually than Louisiana are Florida and Hawaii. On overage, we get about 0.2 inches of snow per year.

So, yesterday's storm was definitely something out of the ordinary. Richard Lewelling from the Weather Channel sent us some eye popping stats from yesterday's storms. Here's just some of the numbers:

  • First ever Blizzard Warning issued by NWS Lake Charles (here)

  • Lake Charles: First 1”+ of snow since 2/7/1988; 4.8” storm total (2nd highest on record)

  • Lafayette: 9.5”, biggest snowfall since 14.0” in 1895

    • Helped the city achieve their second coldest temperature on record of 8°. Record is 6° set 02-13-1899

  • New Orleans: 8.0” (prev record 2.7” Dec 31, 1963)

    • Combining every single snow event at MSY from 1948 up until today = 6.9”

  • Top snow report: 11.5” in Chalmette.  Snowiest day in the state since 1960 (here)

These storms impacted all the normal things you think of during a snow storms - schools closed, state offices closed, roads closed, businesses closed, etc.. But, the storm also had some unexpected consequences - including derailing the New Orleans Saints search for a new head coach.

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I don't know how many people are enjoying this unprecedented winter weather...but they better take it all in because it's not likely they'll see another one for a few decades.

LOOK: Biggest Snowfalls Recorded in Louisiana History

Stacker compiled a list of the biggest 1-day snowfalls in Louisiana using data from the National Centers for Environmental Information.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

LOOK: Biggest Snowfalls Recorded in Texas History

Stacker compiled a list of the biggest 1-day snowfalls in Texas using data from the National Centers for Environmental Information.

Gallery Credit: Stacker