The northwest region of Florida, especially the Panhandle, witnessed an extraordinary weather event on Tuesday—a snowfall that blanketed much of the area, astonishing both locals and drivers. This unexpected snowfall in the Panhandle has resulted in images that are quite unusual for the Sunshine State. Across social media platforms, residents shared videos featuring snow-covered streets and beaches, while others took the opportunity to play and build snowmen.
This rare occurrence, captured live by traffic cameras along Interstate 10, is part of a winter storm system that has swept across the southeastern United States, bringing with it subzero temperatures, snow, ice, and freezing rain. According to AccuWeather, this event marks the first time in 35 years that cities like Tallahassee and Jacksonville have recorded significant snowfall. The westernmost parts of the Panhandle saw the heaviest accumulations, with up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) of snow—a rarity for this subtropical region.
This snowfall made Florida one of just 50 states to report snow during the same winter, a phenomenon not seen since 2010, as per a CNN report.
Disruptions to Infrastructure and Daily Life
Florida's roadways, particularly Interstate 10, transformed into icy traps, with over 50 incidents occurring in the initial hours of the snowfall. Many roads became impassable due to ice and snow buildup, causing significant traffic disruptions. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) released images of ice-covered roads while urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel. "Stay safe and stay home! Snow, sleet, and ice can affect roads and your ability to drive safely," they warned on social media.
Additionally, the mix of snow, ice, and freezing rain slowed and made commuting hazardous. Air travel was also impacted; Tallahassee International Airport shut down operations, and over 2,000 flights were canceled statewide. These disruptions altered travel plans for thousands and created chaos in transportation systems.
Governor DeSantis Declares State of Emergency
Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency on Monday in response to the frigid conditions that hit the Panhandle and other parts of northern Florida. In a post on social media platform X, he urged residents to remain alert to weather warnings and to avoid unnecessary risks. "Be aware of weather conditions and safety alerts. Exercise caution in icy conditions, especially on roads," he advised.
Furthermore, DeSantis issued an executive order allowing Kevin Guthrie, the Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, to lead the emergency response. The order indicated expectations of 1 to 3 inches (approximately 2.5 to 7.6 cm) of snow in the Panhandle, with icy conditions extending east to the Suwannee River Valley. It also warned that ice accumulation from freezing rain could significantly impact roads, bridges, trees, and power lines.
Authorities activated the Florida National Guard and implemented emergency measures to ensure resident safety. Guthrie highlighted the dangers posed by ice, which could reach a thickness of half an inch in some areas, increasing the risk of power outages and serious accidents.
Nationwide, around 40 million people were under some form of weather hazard, including 21 million under a winter storm warning. The storm first struck Texas on Monday night, moving eastward and leaving a trail of snow, freezing rain, and sleet in its path.
Why Snowfall in Florida is Uncommon
Florida is renowned for its warm, mild climate, particularly in its central and southern regions, where cities like Miami and Orlando rarely experience temperatures near freezing levels. However, the northern part of the state, including the Panhandle, can encounter colder conditions due to weather systems from the southeastern U.S.
For snow to accumulate, the entire atmosphere must remain below freezing. If there is warmer air at higher altitudes, snow tends to mix with freezing rain or sleet, reducing its accumulation. This explains why areas like Jacksonville are more likely to see sleet or ice than pure snow. Meanwhile, central and southern Florida maintain temperatures high enough to typically prevent such phenomena.
The winter storm Enzo has brought unprecedented snow accumulations to northwest Florida. According to the National Weather Service, some areas in the Panhandle have seen up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) of snow, surpassing the previous state record of 4 inches (10 centimeters) set in 1954. Meteorologists have dubbed the snowfall a "once-in-a-generation" event.
This phenomenon was made possible by a combination of cold air from the polar vortex and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, creating ideal conditions for snow in the Panhandle. "It's an event we probably won't see again in our lifetimes," said Tom Kines, a meteorologist with AccuWeather.
Understanding Florida's Rare Snowfall Phenomenon
What caused the unexpected snowfall in Florida?
The rare snowfall was caused by a winter storm system that brought cold air from the polar vortex and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, creating conditions conducive to snow in the Panhandle.
How unusual is snowfall in Florida?
Snowfall in Florida is extremely rare, especially in the central and southern parts of the state. The northern regions, such as the Panhandle, are more likely to experience cold weather, but significant snow accumulations are still uncommon.
How did the snowfall affect transportation in Florida?
The snowfall led to icy roads and numerous traffic incidents, particularly on Interstate 10. It also caused significant disruptions to air travel, with over 2,000 flights canceled across the state.