News Summary
Florida is experiencing unprecedented snowfall due to the Great Southern Snowstorm, leading to the closure of major highways and historic weather records. Blizzard warnings have been issued, with snowfall particularly high in Pensacola and Tallahassee. Residents are facing travel challenges and disrupted services as the storm continues its impact across the region. Emergency measures have been put in place, witnessing conditions not seen for generations. The storm marks a significant event in Florida’s weather history.
Florida is currently experiencing a historic winter storm, significantly impacting the state as it records unprecedented snowfall and results in the closure of major highways. The storm, known as the Great Southern Snowstorm of 2025, is crossing the southeast and is expected to last through Wednesday, culminating in significant weather disruptions across the region.
Snowfall commenced across eastern Texas and Louisiana on Tuesday morning, leading to accumulating snow spreading into northern Florida from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service in Lake Charles, Louisiana, issued a Blizzard Warning for the first time ever, indicating the severity of this winter weather system.
Winter weather alerts have activated along the northern Gulf Coast spanning from Texas to the Carolinas, underscoring the storm’s extensive impact. Along the I-10 corridor, particularly from Pensacola to west of Tallahassee, several inches of snow accumulation is anticipated. A mix of wintry precipitation may also reach cities like Jacksonville, Gainesville, and Ocala, compounding travel challenges.
This unprecedented winter storm comes on the heels of a challenging climate for North Florida, which has suffered through three hurricanes, two severe wind events, and a tornado outbreak within the last 18 months. The storm has obliterated Florida’s all-time state snowfall record, with storm totals in Pensacola reaching between 5 to 12 inches. The official measurement for Pensacola recorded 8.9 inches of snow, while Milton set a new state record by accumulating 10 inches. Tallahassee also marked its first significant snowfall in 35 years with 1.9 inches.
Residents throughout the impacted regions reported chaotic weather changes, including rare occurrences of thundersnow and thundersleet. Meteorological experts note that the jet stream configuration driving this storm closely resembles conditions observed during the severe snowfall of the Great Freeze of 1895, pointing to the exceptional nature of this event.
Highway closures have escalated as dangerous weather conditions persist. Initially, a nearly 70-mile stretch of Interstate 10 was closed, but this length expanded to 192 miles by Wednesday as snowfall continued. In anticipation of the record-breaking accumulations, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis proactively declared a state of emergency before the storm’s arrival.
Many educational institutions and airports between Jacksonville and Pensacola have canceled classes and flights due to hazardous conditions. In particular, flights have been canceled at Tallahassee International Airport and Jacksonville International Airport as a precautionary measure against the snowstorm.
Local officials attempted to pre-treat some roadways; however, these measures proved insufficient against the heavy snowfall. Reports indicate that some areas may also experience ice accumulation, further complicating travel and safety on roadways.
Experts stress that snowfall or ice along the Gulf Coast is an exceedingly rare event, making this winter storm a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence for many residents. As temperatures are expected to rise with a return to typical La Niña winter conditions, the lingering snow will gradually melt, marking the conclusion of this historic winter weather incident.
In summary, the Great Southern Snowstorm of 2025 has left its mark on Florida, shattering snowfall records and prompting emergency measures as residents cope with weather conditions that have not been seen for generations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CBS12 News
- Tallahassee.com
- Fox Weather
- WCJB First Alert Weather
- Florida Phoenix
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
- Google Search: Winter Storm Florida 2025
- Google Scholar: Winter Storms Florida
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter Storm
- Google News: Winter Storm Florida
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
