Snow in Florida? Rare Winter Storm Watch to bring snow and icing chances to the Panhandle

It’s not every day that snow makes the headlines in Florida, but today, residents of North Florida are preparing for a rare brush with winter weather. 

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for parts of northern and northeast Florida, as well as southeast Georgia, effective from late Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon. 

This is the first winter storm watch issued for any part of the state of Florida since January 2018, when Tallahassee received 1/10-2/10" (0.1"-0.2") inches of snow (a coating), representing the first measurable snow there since 1989.

This winter storm watch extends as far south as Alachua County, but fully excludes the Orlando viewing area as of this publishing.

A winter storm watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a winter storm event in the next 24 to 72 hours. A watch is generally issued when the risk of a hazardous winter weather event has increased and is intended to give lead time for people to make plans.

A winter storm warning is issued when a winter storm event is expected to meet or exceed local winter storm warning criteria in the next 12 to 36 hours. A warning is generally issued when a hazardous winter weather event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurrence, and is used when conditions pose a threat to life or property.

The forecast includes the possibility of up to an inch of snow and ice accumulations of 0.1 to 0.2 inches, enough to create hazardous conditions.

What to expect:

Freezing rain, sleet, and snow could blanket parts of the region under the Watch as an Arctic cold front dives south, bringing frigid air and wintry precipitation.

While these amounts may seem modest to those used to snow, even small accumulations can wreak havoc on Florida roads, which are not designed for icy conditions and not prepared with salt or sand. 

Bridges and overpasses are particularly vulnerable to freezing and dangerous conditions, and power outages are possible if ice accumulates on tree limbs and power lines, though this threat is minor compared to the road hazard potential. Drivers should avoid unnecessary travel in these areas near I-10 and prepare for slippery or impassible roads. If you must drive, use extreme caution and allow extra time to reach your destination. Make sure you have newer tires which are all season, and not summer tires.

A Rare Event: 

Snow and ice in Florida are, to say the least, unusual. Historically, snow in Florida is an infrequent occurrence, often making headlines when it happens. 

The last major winter weather event occurred in January 2018, when Tallahassee recorded measurable snowfall for the first time since 1989. 

That was also the last ‘winter storm warning’ issued for any part of the state of Florida. 

That storm also brought freezing rain and sleet across parts of the Panhandle and North Florida, causing road closures and power outages. Snow is even rarer in Central and South Florida, but they have happened. Records show that snowflakes were reported as far south as Fort Pierce in 2003, and graupel—a type of soft sleet —was spotted in Brevard County in 2022.

Why Does It Happen?

Florida’s winters are typically mild, thanks to warm air masses and the influence of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. However, when an Arctic front pushes far enough south, it can collide with moist Gulf air, creating the perfect recipe for snow or freezing rain. These setups are rare but not impossible, especially in January and February.

How to Prepare:

Winter weather in Florida brings its own unique challenges. Most homes lack insulation for extreme cold, and few residents own snow tires or chains for their vehicles. 

If you live or plan to travel in the winter storm watch area of North Florida, we recommend :
• Checking your car’s antifreeze and windshield wipers.
• Having an emergency kit ready, including blankets, flashlights, and non-perishable food.
• Monitoring weather updates

The Bigger Picture:

For long-time Floridians, snow is more than a weather event—it’s a story to tell. Whether it’s kids building mini snowmen in the yard or neighbors gathering to snap pictures of ice-covered palm trees, a winter storm here creates memories that last a lifetime. With today’s Winter Storm Watch, it’s another chapter in Florida’s rare and quirky history with winter weather. The Orlando area is only expecting cold rain at this point, but stay tuned as weather can change. This particular system will come into greater focus no sooner than Monday and Tuesday. 

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