Unprecedented winter storm paralyzes Gulf Coast with heavy snow and ice [Video]

A major winter storm slammed the south Tuesday, blanketing parts of the Gulf Coast with record-breaking snowfall in a region largely unaccustomed to extreme winter weather.The storm, impacting areas from Texas to Florida and up the Carolina coasts, has led to widespread closures and escalating travel disruptions Wednesday, including stranded motorists and delayed flights. Airports in Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida closed Tuesday due to unprecedented snowfall.The National Weather Service in Mobile, Alabama, urged residents on social media Tuesday to “stay off the roads tonight,” warning of “treacherous, life-threatening conditions.” Major cities along the East Coast as far south as Jacksonville, Florida, are forecasted to experience snow, sleet, and accumulating ice into Wednesday, potentially prompting closures of schools and government offices.In Georgia, cities such as Atlanta, Macon and Augusta are bracing for potential ice accumulation from melting snow refreezing on roads. Gov. Brian Kemp cautioned residents that conditions “could deteriorate very …