A massive winter storm hit Florida on Wednesday, bringing record snowfall in its icy aftermath and shutting down highways, including more than 100 miles (100 miles) of interstates in the southernmost states of Louisiana and Florida. It became.
On Tuesday night, there were widespread reports of 5 to 12 inches of snow in and around Pensacola alone.
Hundreds of flights remain suspended at multiple airports as authorities warn that the snowfall could shatter century-old records.
A commercial plane parks after a snowfall on January 22, 2025 in Tallahassee, Florida. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for northern Florida, and some are predicting the largest Gulf snow and ice storm in more than 100 years. (Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/Getty Images)
fox 10 report Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency ahead of the winter chaos, saying the frigid results could upend all previous winter weather events for communities in the Panhandle. .
The Sunshine State's heaviest snowfall on record was 4 inches in the Pensacola suburb of Milton on March 6, 1954, but that was surpassed by Tuesday's measurements for the same area.
Weather warnings have been issued for a wide area, including large cities such as Jacksonville, Florida, with accumulations of snow, sleet and ice expected throughout the day and evening.
Jacksonville International Airport closed Tuesday night due to severe weather, but said it plans to reopen after receiving advice that the weather would improve.
Schools canceled classes and government offices were closed.
A car drives on snow after a snowfall on January 22, 2025 in Tallahassee, Florida. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for northern Florida, and some are predicting the largest Gulf snow and ice storm in more than 100 years. (Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/Getty Images)
AP report dangerous subzero temperature Further cold wind chills are expected to continue in the region for much of the week.
Authorities announced that three people died as a result of the cold wave. of heavy snowsleet and freezing rain also reached the Deep South. blast of arctic air Much of the Midwest and East of the United States was plunged into deep freeze.
Ahead of the storm, the governors of Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida (the Sunshine State) declared states of emergency, and many school systems canceled in-school activities on Tuesday and Wednesday.
