PENSACOLA, Fla. − It was so cold across Florida on Thursday morning that temperatures in at least four cities were colder than in Alaska, but a desperately needed warmup was on the way for millions of Americans from Texas to Florida following a deadly winter storm unmatched in decades.

Early Thursday, the temperature here dipped to 26 degrees while in Alaska residents of Anchorage basked in 41 degrees. Anchorage has actually received less than 4 inches of snow this season − about half the amount that slammed Pensacola in one day this week.

Forecasters, however, say the Gulf Coast region is beginning.

Houston, where some areas saw up to 6 inches of snow Tuesday, could reach 50 degrees, the National Weather Service said. New Orleans, which got 10 inches for its biggest snowfall in more than a century, could see 41 degrees. Mobile, Alabama, two days after a record snowfall of 7.5 inches, was forecast to reach 45 degrees and Pensacola, Florida, where records also fell, could reach 44 degrees.

The thaw is much needed as state and local officials struggle to clear roadways left unnavigable by the storm, sometimes dealing with a shortage of plows in states seldom requiring them.

“This is a highly unusual winter weather event impacting nearly three-quarters of the state and our crews cannot be everywhere at once,” Georgia Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurry said in a statement. “Georgia DOT will need time, ability to access the roads to treat or plow and warmer temperatures working in our favor to help restore and maintain passable conditions.”

‘Don’t worry; we will thaw’: When will the South feel like the South again?

Developments:

∎ At least 12 people have died in the winter storm, seven of them in Texas.

∎ In Florida, the 9.8 inches of snow measured in Milton more than doubled the previous state record set nearby in 1954.

Rare winter storm: Southern system turns deadly; dig-out begins

This winter storm proved so severe that the first-ever blizzard warning was issued for Louisiana by the U.S. National Weather Service. The majority of Southeast Louisiana saw between four and eight inches of snow accumulation, however, some areas received ten inches of snowfall.

Heavy snow, totaling between six and 10 inches, fell over the New Orleans metropolitan area, the river parishes, areas of northern bayou parishes, extending to regions of the Northshore, including Slidell. The astonishing snow totals in New Orleans on Jan. 21 marks the snowiest day in the metropolitan area in 130 years. I also prompted this headline from the Anchorage Daily News in that snow-started city: “Hey, New Orleans, please send some of your snow to Anchorage.”

− Presley Bo Tyler, Shreveport Times

In the Tallahasse neighborhood of College Town, predominately populated by Florida State University students, people swarmed the streets to celebrate the historic winter storm — and to throw snowballs. It ended in police using pepper balls.

Tallahassee Police Department Lt. Damon Miller said the clash began after the department received calls about vehicles being hit by snowballs in the an area near FSU’s campus that is lined with bars, restaurants and apartments. One person reported being hit in the head. Responding officers and a patrol car were then struck by “snow/iceballs,” Miller wrote in an email. Police told the crowd to disperse, which it did not do.

“The officers retrieved their pepper ball systems from their vehicles and issued additional warnings,” Miller wrote. “When the crowd continued to be non-compliant, the officer fired pepper balls in a strategic manner to encourage the dispersal of the disorderly crowd.”

One person was arrested for battery on law enforcement officer.

Meteorologist Ryan Maue poked some fun at President Donald Trump’s effort to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. Maue posted a map of the USA on social media, showing the bitter cold temperatures across the Gulf Coast.

“Great start for the newly discovered Gulf of America,” Maue wrote. “Explorers note the climate is polar with heavy snow and ice observed along the coastlines.”

AccuWeather issued a preliminary estimate of $14-$17 billion across the South for total damage and economic loss from the snow, ice and extreme cold. AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter noted that businesses have been forced to shut down, sometimes for days, and supply chain and shipping logistics have been severely disrupted.

“With the cold remaining in place, the impacts and interruptions from this winter storm will be felt for days to come,” Porter said.

In Florida, Tallahassee police have advised residents to stay off icy roads. But a handful of brave patrons made their way to one local Waffle House on Wednesday morning – bundled up, clutching fresh cups of coffee to warm their hands for the walk back home. The full menu wasn’t available, but Tallahassee’s Waffle Houses were serving the “Emergency Bowl Menu.” Customers could enjoy a bacon, egg and cheese bowl with their hash browns. Best known for being an indicator of how severe a hurricane threat is, the Waffle House easily withstood the Florida winter storm threat in Tallahassee.

A Waffle House representative said the limited menu is designed to accommodate lower staffing levels and to serve guests quickly. The chain’s website shows eight 24-hour locations in and around the city.

− Kyla A Sanford, Tallahassee Democrat

As snow blankets much of the United States in a rare winter storm that’s impacting much of the country, plows and salt trucks with cheeky names are gearing up to pick up the mess from Massachusetts to Nebraska, Arlington, Va. to Wichita, Kan.  In the past few years, cities and states across the country have begun holding naming contests for snowplows and other winter weather vehicles. The goal: add some levity to stressful storms, promote safe driving and shed light on the work of emergency response crews. 

“We thought it would be a fun engaging way to connect and engage with Connecticut residents and commuters – all in the name of safety,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation spokesperson Josh Morgan. “It is a reminder to them to not crash into us, to keep it easy and slow down on the roads.” Read more here.

− Karissa Waddick