The snowstorm continues to affect the country. From Seattle to Florida, the Sunshine State is also being impacted by this storm that has surprised many, especially in the southern states. The storm has been affecting Florida since the weekend, when an unusual snowfall was recorded in the western Panhandle region. Specifically, on Sunday morning, a light dusting of snow covered yards and rooftops—certainly a rare sight in the state.
The storms will continue moving eastward and approach the Tallahassee area
Despite the experience of a few days ago, the cold front will arrive in the coming hours. With the first drops in temperature, state authorities deployed salt trucks and activated winter storm protocols. It’s important to note that in states like Florida, where it doesn’t usually snow, activating these types of protocols is essential. Residents aren’t used to it and therefore don’t have the necessary tools for these kinds of situations. That’s why applying salt and helping to prevent problems like ice from causing accidents is a priority. Even so, at that time the response was mostly preventative, since the weather in Florida allowed the snow to melt quickly, and it wasn’t necessary to activate any other measures.
Looking ahead to the next few hours, the storms will continue moving eastward and approach the Tallahassee area. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the cold front has moved into Central Florida, where freeze warnings have been issued for several counties. Orlando and its metropolitan area are included in these warnings, with temperatures near or below freezing. This front is reaching Florida and has already produced some strong to severe thunderstorms in the western Panhandle. It is important for residents to stay informed about the latest developments regarding the storm’s progress. The greatest risks from these thunderstorms include damage, strong winds, and isolated tornadoes.
The Storm Prediction Center has classified much of the Panhandle as being at slight risk of severe thunderstorms
The weather can be, and is being, quite adverse, so it is recommended to be aware and take the necessary precautions depending on where you live. In the central part of the state, towns like Apopka, Pine Hills, Oak Ridge, and Ocoee were affected by sub-zero temperatures and even lower wind chills. On the other hand, the Storm Prediction Center has classified much of the Panhandle as being at slight risk of severe thunderstorms, and from Tallahassee to the northwest coast of North Florida, the risk is marginal. Counties such as Lake, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, and Volusia were placed under official alerts for the risk of freezing temperatures that could affect different areas. The latest news indicates that the cold front is weakening as it continues to move eastward, which is a relief to some residents. This is because the colder air is rapidly moving in, stabilizing the atmosphere and thus lowering temperatures.
It’s important to remember that excessively low temperatures in these locations can have a significant impact on agriculture. In Plant City, temperatures dropped low enough to require protective measures for crops. Experts predict a marked difference in temperature even over relatively short distances. During the coldest days, common cold-weather techniques, such as controlled irrigation, were implemented in these areas to prevent frost damage. Regarding distances, there could be a 20°C difference between Gainesville and Tallahassee in the morning, even though temperatures will drop throughout North Florida during the day. The Gainesville area is likely to experience morning temperatures between 10 and 15°C, while Tallahassee will see temperatures between 0 and 5°C. In any situation, if you find yourself in this area of the country it is important to check the weather conditions, especially if you are going to take the car and hit the road.