Unraveling the Mystery: Why Florida Got More Snow Than Alaska This Winter

Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) Storm Center | By Leslie Hudson

Florida just witnessed an extraordinary snowstorm that caught even veteran residents by surprise. Not only did this winter blast break state snow records, but Florida also found itself receiving more snow than areas in Alaska and Canada during this winter season.

The National Weather Service reported that Milton, located northeast of Pensacola, received 9.80 inches of snow. This amount more than doubled the previous state record of 4 inches, set in Milton back in 1954.

This unusual storm traveled across Florida, bringing snow to places like Tallahassee and Jacksonville. Nearby areas like Destin and Panama City Beach reported 2 to 3 inches of snow, adding to the unusual winter scenery.

Due to this unexpected weather, most infrastructure in the Panhandle and northern Florida came to a halt on Tuesday and Wednesday. Airports across the region closed, and a nearly 70-mile stretch of Interstate 10 was shut down. Florida typically doesn’t experience snow, making these events rare and disruptive.

Historically, while parts of north Florida do experience cold weather, the conditions needed for snow are infrequent. The last significant snowfall before this event was on January 28, 2014, when Pensacola saw an inch of snow. In January 2018, Tallahassee had a light dusting, but measurable snow fell in Jacksonville during the notorious Christmas storm of 1989.

So, why did this major snow event happen? A unique weather pattern was at play. Cold air from the north swept down into the Gulf, while warm, moist air rose above it. This situation was fueled by a stalled front and a weak low-pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico.

The polar jet stream, usually located much farther north, dipped southward and intensified the low-pressure area. This led to what meteorologists call “overrunning,” where warm air pushes up over the denser, colder air at the surface. As the warm, moist air rose, it cooled, resulting in snow rather than rain, especially with warm Gulf waters enhancing the snowfall.

Florida has seen snow more than 80 times since 1886. The last notable snowfall was over ten years ago, on January 28, 2014. Significant snowfalls have been rare, with only a few memorable events, such as the 2 inches recorded in 1951 and the nearly 4 inches in 1993 during the infamous “Superstorm.”

• February 2, 1951: 2.00 inches in St. Augustine and Crescent City.
• March 6, 1954: 4.00 inches at Milton.
• February 13, 1958: 1.50 inches in Jacksonville, 2.80 inches in Tallahassee.
• February 9-10, 1973: Snow in Pensacola and Tallahassee.
• January 17-19, 1977: Areas along I-4 received up to 2.00 inches.
• December 23, 1989: Jacksonville’s “White Christmas.”
• March 12, 1993: Up to 4.00 inches in the Panhandle.

The first recorded snowfall in Florida dates back to January 19, 1977, when snow fell in South Florida for the first time. This surprised locals and pushed news of President Jimmy Carter’s inauguration to the back page.

Snow in Florida is rare, but when it happens, it brings great excitement and awe. The recent storm has definitely left its mark on the Sunshine State, reminding everyone that winter can be full of surprises.