Florida winter storm: Timeline, impacts, snow, ice and rain forecast

The Sunshine State will feel a little less tropical than it usually does this week as arctic air reaches the Southern United States, including Florida, bringing with it frigid temperatures and the potential for snow, ice, sleet, and rain. Yes, you read that right, the forecast calls for the potential of snow in Florida.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has issued a state of emergency ahead of the winter weather forecast, freeing up money and resources across the state to prepare and assist. The Florida Department of Transportation said more than 250 team members and 200 pieces of equipment are headed to Florida to assist, including snow plows. Some Florida schools, colleges, and universities have canceled classes ahead of the winter weather. 

Is it supposed to snow in Florida?

What to expect:

Snow in Florida is rare, but not unheard of. In fact, during the 1970s, there were reports of measurable snow fall as far south as Orlando and Tampa. However, the Florida Panhandle and northern Florida have better chances of snow than Central or South Florida.

An area of low pressure is developing in the Gulf of Mexico, and it will spread snow across the Deep South as it moves east. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain are on the table from Texas eastbound through Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas. Snow will start to overspread the Panhandle Tuesday evening and continue to shift eastward into the night. This is when we'll see an icy mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain developing farther to the southeast.

Could it snow in Orlando?

Not with this system. Gainesville and Ocala could see frigid temperatures and some freezing rain. In Orlando and Central Florida, we're expecting colder temperatures, wind, and rain. The rain should last through Wednesday afternoon as the storm moves east.

This is the first time in years Florida has been part of a winter storm warning, which means dangerous or hazardous conditions from a winter storm are possible within 48 hours. The current warning is in effect for Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties in the Florida Panhandle and extends as far south as Alachua County. The last Winter Storm Warning issued in Florida was in January 2018, when Tallahassee recorded measurable snowfall for the first time since 1989, according to the National Weather Service.

Winter Weather Florida Forecast: What are the biggest impacts?

The entire state of Florida is expected to feel some sort of impact from the major winter storm, though what those impacts will depend largely on where you live and how far south you live.

Northwestern Florida: Precipitation starts as snow Tuesday afternoon and likely stays mainly snow for the duration of the event. Some sleet could mix in at times. The snow will continue through much of Tuesday night with accumulations in the 1-3" range. Some isolated amounts are possibly higher than that. Snow starts to taper off early Wednesday. Temperatures will dip into the 20s Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Wind chills could drop into the teens, below freezing.

Northern Florida: An icy mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is on the table here beginning early Tuesday evening. This is where temps are likely to be just warm enough above the ground to allow the snow to mix with sleet. There could also be a period of freezing rain as a nose of warm air tries to take over in the lower levels of the atmosphere. This will cut down on accumulations with snow and sleet possibly up to an inch or two. Ice accumulations could rise to 0.25"-0.50" if not a bit higher, all depending on the changeover time. Temperatures Tuesday night dip into the 20s with highs in the 30s on Wednesday. Feels like temps will likely stay in the 20s.

North-Central Florida: Those in Alachua, Dixie, Gilchrist, Marion, and Levy counties will likely see freezing rain and possibly some sleet. The timeline so far is that rain will begin to fall late Tuesday and continue overnight. As temperatures fall, the risk of sleet or freezing rain increases. This will likely stick around through Wednesday morning. Less than an inch of sleet is expected but freezing rain amounts could top out around 0.25". Lows Tuesday night will likely hover around the freezing mark but should be able to climb above freezing, back into the 40s on Wednesday afternoon.

Central Florida (Orlando metro): Pack the rain jacket and umbrella. Snow is not in the forecast for the Orlando metro, but it will likely be rainy on Tuesday and become more widespread Tuesday afternoon and evening, through the overnight hours. Temperatures will likely be in the 40s and 50s, just warm enough for regular rain to fall. Overnight on Tuesday, temperatures are expected to be in the low 40s. 

Winter Storm Warning and Watch: What's the difference?

What is the difference between a winter storm watch and a winter storm warning? Like a thunderstorm, tropical storm, or hurricane, a watch generally means the ingredients are possible, while a warning means the event is happening. 

A Winter Storm Watch means winter weather is possible within 36 hours. A Winter Storm Warning means winter weather is expected within 24 hours.

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the FOX 35 Storm Team on Jan. 20, 2025. 

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