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Florida Braces for Rare Snow Amidst Cold Snap
18 Jan
Summary
- Cold rain falls in Florida as models tease snow chances.
- Most of Florida expects flurries, with little accumulation.
- Florida DOT prepared snowplows despite low accumulation odds.
A cold rain is currently impacting Florida, sparking forecasts of a potential snow event for the first time in a while. While weather models have indicated chances for snow, meteorologists emphasize that it hinges on a precise alignment of arctic air meeting the rain shield. For Tallahassee and Leon County, the likelihood of seeing more than just a few flurries is slim, with temperatures not expected to drop significantly below freezing.
Areas in Florida's western panhandle, including Marianna, Jackson, and Holmes counties, are under Winter Storm Warnings and might receive less than an inch of snow. Even in these locations, warm ground temperatures are expected to limit accumulation primarily to grassy surfaces, with only minor travel disruptions anticipated. Residents seeking a better chance of seeing snow are advised to head towards Georgia, such as Bainbridge or Albany.
Despite the low odds for significant accumulation in most of Florida, the Florida Department of Transportation has activated its winter weather plan. Snowplows have been readied, and anti-icing products are being applied to bridges and overpasses across northwest Florida. This preparation is part of a statewide effort involving de-icing operations in 16 counties to ensure highway safety during the cold snap.
