A cold-stunned iguana rests motionless on a residential deck in South Miami on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, after temperatures dropped sharply. AP
An unusual wave of winter weather swept across the southern United States on Sunday, bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and record cold temperatures to areas more accustomed to mild winters. In Florida, the sudden cold caused stunned iguanas to tumble from trees, while farther north, snow and ice created dangerous travel conditions.
Cold Stuns Iguanas in Florida
Florida did not see snowfall like other southern states, but temperatures dropped sharply. In Orlando, the temperature fell to 24°F, or –4°C, marking the coldest February reading there since at least 1923. Normally, winter temperatures in the area stay much warmer.
Iguanas, which rely on external heat to regulate their bodies, became stiff and lost their grip when temperatures fell. As a result, many dropped from trees and landed on sidewalks and lawns. Videos shared online showed the reptiles lying still until temperatures rose.
Local wildlife experts reported collecting large numbers of iguanas during the cold snap. State wildlife officials also allowed residents to transport the invasive reptiles to designated offices, as ownership without a permit remains illegal.
Heavy Snow Hits the Carolinas
The storm hit North Carolina especially hard. Several communities recorded snowfall rarely seen outside mountain regions. The city of Lexington measured about 40 centimetres, while parts of the Walnut Mountains reported up to 56 centimetres.
Governor Josh Stein said icy roads led to around 1,000 collisions over the weekend, along with two deaths. He urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and warned about the risk of frostbite during prolonged exposure to cold.
Travel Disruptions and Power Outages
The storm caused widespread disruption across the region. Strong winds and icy conditions forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights, particularly at major airports in the Carolinas. Road closures and accidents added to the chaos, leaving many drivers stranded.
Power outages affected about 158,000 customers across southern states, including Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Florida. Crews worked through difficult conditions to restore service.
More Rough Weather on the Way
The National Weather Service said snowfall in the Carolinas would ease by Sunday night, but strong winds would continue as the storm system moved toward the Atlantic Ocean. Coastal areas faced rough seas and flooding from high tides and wind-driven waves.
The latest storm followed another powerful system that struck parts of the United States about a week earlier, leaving many communities still recovering from snow and ice.
A Rare Winter Scene
From falling iguanas in Florida to deep snow in the Carolinas, the weekend storm delivered scenes more typical of northern winters. Officials continued to urge caution as clean-up efforts began and cold conditions lingered.
