Florida's authorities are urging residents to refrain from driving due to the significant danger posed by an unprecedented snowstorm impacting the state. These severe snow conditions have led to road closures, creating hazardous driving environments, and thus, officials strongly advise staying indoors.
"If your presence on the road is not essential, stay safe and remain at home! Snow, sleet, and ice present challenges to driving safely, especially for those unaccustomed to such conditions, like many Floridians," stated the Florida Highway Patrol. The state's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shared images on social media depicting the treacherous road conditions.
In a Facebook post, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office highlighted the unusual winter weather gripping northeastern Florida, noting the accumulation of snow and ice. "The safest place to be on Tuesday night and Wednesday is at home!" the post advised.
According to the Associated Press, Interstate 10 was shut down from Escambia County to Okaloosa County. Additionally, the Pensacola Bay Bridge, located in the state's far northwest, was completely covered by snow.
Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in response to these extreme weather conditions. As a result, classes were canceled for over a million students, and government offices were closed. The Jacksonville International Airport also halted its operations due to the inclement weather. According to FlightAware.com, more than 2,300 flights were canceled across the U.S. on Tuesday.
The winter storm has also resulted in power outages, with PowerOutage.us reporting that over 39,000 homes were without electricity as of Wednesday morning. This rare weather event has left the Florida Panhandle, in particular, blanketed in snow, with some areas receiving up to four inches.
This unusual phenomenon is part of a broader series of winter storms affecting the southeastern United States, bringing freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and freezing rain. AccuWeather reported that this marked the first significant snowfall in 35 years for cities like Tallahassee and Jacksonville.
Remarkably, this event has made Florida one of 50 states in the U.S. to record snowfall in a single winter, a scenario not seen since 2010, according to CNN.
FAQs About Florida's Historic Snowstorm
Why is driving discouraged during the snowstorm in Florida?
Driving is discouraged because snow, sleet, and ice create hazardous road conditions that can lead to accidents, especially for those unfamiliar with such weather, like many Floridians.
What measures have been taken by Florida's government in response to the snowstorm?
Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency, resulting in the cancellation of classes and closure of government offices. The Jacksonville International Airport also suspended its operations.
How has the snowstorm impacted power supply in Florida?
The snowstorm led to power outages, with over 39,000 homes reported to be without electricity as of Wednesday morning according to PowerOutage.us.