News Summary
Winter Storm Enzo made history this week as it swept across Florida, bringing record-breaking snowfall to many cities. The storm hit hardest in the Panhandle, particularly in Milton, where residents experienced nearly 9 inches of snow. Tallahassee and coastal cities also witnessed unusual snow coverage, disrupting travel and leading to emergency declarations. As temperatures are expected to rise soon, Floridians are left with an unforgettable winter wonderland experience, showcasing a rare weather event in the Sunshine State.
Winter Storm Enzo Covers Florida in Snow
Florida has never been known for its snowy winters, but that all changed this week as Winter Storm Enzo swept through the Sunshine State, leaving a frosty trail of white. Cities up and down the state were treated to a spectacle most Floridians have never seen before, and the result was nothing short of historic snowfall records.
A Record-Breaking Blitz
It all began on Tuesday and Wednesday when the storm rolled through, hitting the Pensacola area in the Panhandle hard. In Milton, a town northeast of Pensacola, residents were gobsmacked to find 8.8 inches of snow blanketing their yards, smashing the old state record of 4 inches that had been untouched since 1954. Pensacola didn’t get left out of the snowy fun, either, reporting around 5 inches while some areas were buried under as much as 7-8 inches. Talk about a winter wonderland!
The snow didn’t just stick to the Panhandle; it rushed down to cities like Tallahassee and through the Big Bend region, leaving behind record-breaking totals. Even those who typically flock to the sunshine couldn’t help but marvel as places along the Emerald Coast—like Destin and Panama City Beach—received a light dusting of 2-3 inches.
Travel Disruptions Abound
With such unusual weather came a slew of disruptions. Major airports in Tallahassee and Jacksonville had to close their doors in response to the wintry conditions. The Governor declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm, preparing for what was to come. School districts and colleges across North Florida quickly canceled classes, keeping students safe and sound at home.
The storm also created havoc for thousands, knocking out power to more than 34,000 customers in the affected areas. Those brave enough to venture out faced treacherous conditions, with sections of Interstate 10 closed for nearly 70 miles from mile marker 5 in Pensacola to the Okaloosa-Walton County line. Roads became tricky, and local officials advised against unnecessary travel, especially in southeastern Louisiana, where some areas saw over 10 inches of snow.
The Aftermath: More Chill to Come
As the storm exited, a frigid air swept across the region. Tampa Bay residents woke up to chills in the mid-50s, quite a drop for this time of year. However, there’s good news on the horizon! It looks like temperatures are set to rise, hitting the mid to high 70s by the weekend, bringing a much-needed warmth as locals prepare for the upcoming Gasparilla Pirate Fest.
If you think the chilly weather has subsided for good, hold onto your hats! A freeze warning is in effect for parts of the Tampa Bay area, with lows expected to plunge into the 30s on Friday morning. After that, it should warm up nicely, with forecasts hinting at temperatures reaching 60 degrees for the festivities—with even warmer weather to come as we roll into February.
Wrap-Up
Though Winter Storm Enzo might have caught Floridians off guard, it certainly lined the Sunshine State with a rare and beautiful sight. As the state shakes off the chill and embraces the sun once more, residents will have quite the tale to share—after all, a winter wonderland in Florida is a story worth telling!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
USF Students Embark on Snowball Adventure in Tallahassee
Rare Winter Storm Causes Historic Snowfall and Travel Chaos
Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: Historic Winter Storm in Florida
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
- Weather.com: Winter Storm Live Blog
- Google Search: Winter Storm Impacts
- Fox 13 News: Freeze Warning in Bay Area
- Google Scholar: Winter Storm Environments
- ABC Action News: News to Know for January 27
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Weather
