A perfect scenario of Gulf moisture combined with below-freezing temperatures allowed Northwest Florida and the Gulf Coast region to experience a once-in-a-lifetime, historic snow event on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Snow began falling at 10 a.m. and continued steadily for hours, finally coming to an end by 10 p.m. That day, snowfall rates were approximately 1-2 inches per hour, leading to record totals across the region.
Recent reports reveal several unofficial snow accumulation totals: Pensacola, FL, received 7.6 inches; Mobile, AL, 8 inches; Milton, FL, 8.8 inches; Gulf Breeze, FL, 8.25 inches; Pace, FL, 8 inches; Daphne, AL, 9 inches; Orange Beach, AL, 6.5 inches; Cantonment, FL, 6 inches; Almarante, FL, 5 inches; and Destin, FL, 2.75 inches. These measurements represent the highest snowfall ever recorded in the state of Florida and Southwestern Alabama.
Due to the storm, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Winter Storm Warning, which remains effective until 6 AM Wednesday, January 22. Snowfall subsided, but temperatures continued to plummet overnight, dipping well below freezing. An Extreme Cold Warning is also active until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, warning of wind chills dropping to as low as 3 degrees.
Life-threatening travel conditions are apparent, with most area roadways reported as completely impassable following the winter storm. "DO NOT attempt to travel within the area tonight," warns the NWS. Such conditions could leave anyone who attempts to travel stranded and subject to harsh weather for hours.
Schools closed on both Tuesday and Wednesday, with Governor Ron DeSantis declaring a state of emergency throughout this unprecedented winter storm. Reports indicate this could be among the worst winter storms the Gulf Coast has faced historically.
A live update highlights the situation as conditions worsen, with several bridges closing due to icy conditions, including those on Highway 2, Peaden Bridge, and Sherman Kennedy Bridge. According to Okaloosa County Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox, residents are commanded to avoid driving wherever possible.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has initiated de-icing operations on highways, focusing on key routes including I-10 and I-110. Alongside this, local crews packed sand to assist with road safety measures.
Temperatures are expected to struggle to rise above the 30s on Wednesday afternoon and are forecasted to gradually warm by the weekend. Clear advice has been issued for residents to protect their pipes, allow faucet drips, and secure outdoor elements, along with warnings against misusing portable heaters.
The NWS noted significant snow totals across the region, with 3.3 inches reported in Miramar Beach, 5.0 inches at Southport, and even higher totals closer to 9 inches noted around Daphne, AL. Many areas experienced being blanketed with snow in the heart of winter, which is extremely rare for this region.
Residents took to social media to highlight their snowy commutes and neighborhood scenes, with cheerful posts of unexpected lightness during what might have been stressful travel conditions. Snowball fights and wintry snaps contrasted sharply with dominant news about severe cold warnings and travel advisories.
People have been encouraged to stay updated with the latest information and follow the guidance from local authorities on social media and news outlets. The state of emergency indicates the seriousness of conditions, ensuring resources are available to respond adequately to the intersection of weather and community needs.
Looking at the bigger picture, this remarkable storm signifies not only how unpredictable weather can become but also the potential challenges facing regions not often accustomed to such extreme cold and snowfall.
Local businesses took precautions; many plan to remain closed until conditions improve safely. Major regional airports including Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport and Pensacola International Airport suspended operations due to the inclement weather, promising updates on reopening once the situation stabilizes.
With concerns looming over potential infrastructure damages, residents and authorities remain vigilant, prepared for whatever the storm leaves behind. Schools and offices across the region will be evaluated on their ability to safely resume activities based on subsequent conditions after the storm.