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Florida authorities have urged residents not to drive on the roads due to the risk posed by the historic snowfall affecting the state.
The snow caused the closure of roads and highways due to dangerous driving conditions, and drivers are therefore advised to stay home.
"If you don't need to be on the road, stay safe and stay home! Snow, sleet, and ice can impact the roads and your ability to drive safely, especially if you're not accustomed to the conditions, like many Floridians," wrote the Florida Highway Patrol.
The Department of Road Safety and Motor Vehicles of the state released images on X showing the conditions on the road.
"We expect a winter weather pattern that we are not used to in northeast Florida," posted on Facebook by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, which is currently under a weather advisory on Wednesday, receiving snow, sleet, and ice accumulation.
"The safest place you can be on Tuesday night and Wednesday is at home!" the post adds.
According to the agency AP, Interstate 10 was closed from Escambia County to Okaloosa County.
The Pensacola Bay Bridge (Escambia), located in the northwesternmost part of the state, was also completely covered.
The governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency. Classes had to be canceled for more than a million students, as well as government offices.
Jacksonville International Airport also suspended its operations due to bad weather. According to the online tracker FlightAware.com, more than 2,300 flights to, from, or within the United States were canceled on Tuesday.
On the other hand, winter conditions have caused power outages. According to PowerOutage.us, more than 39,000 homes were without electricity this Wednesday at 9:30 AM.
The northwest of Florida, particularly the Panhandle, has experienced an unprecedented weather event as snow blanketed much of the region. The state reported the highest snow accumulations, with up to 10 centimeters of snow.
This unusual phenomenon is part of a wave of winter storms that has battered the southeastern United States, leaving sub-zero temperatures, snow, ice, and freezing rain.
According to AccuWeather, this was the first time in 35 years that cities like Tallahassee and Jacksonville experienced significant snowfall.
The event made Florida one of the 50 states in the United States that recorded snowfall in the same winter, something that hadn't occurred since 2010, according to CNN.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Historic Snowfall in Florida
Why have Florida authorities urged people to stay off the roads?
Florida authorities have urged the public not to go out on the roads due to the dangerous conditions created by the historic snowfall. The accumulation of snow, sleet, and ice has closed several routes, including Interstate 10, turning the roads into icy traps and increasing the risk of accidents.
What measures have been taken in response to the snowfall in Florida?
Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm. Classes have been canceled for over a million students, government offices have been closed, and the Florida National Guard has been activated to ensure safety. Shelters have also been established for those affected by the extreme weather.
What has been the impact on flights and transportation due to the snowfall in Florida?
More than 2,300 flights to, from, or within the United States were canceled due to extreme winter weather. Jacksonville International Airport and other airports in Texas and New Orleans suspended operations. Additionally, the snowfall has caused significant disruptions in ground traffic, with many roads rendered impassable.
Why is snowfall so unusual in Florida?
Florida is known for its warm climate, which makes snowfall extremely rare. However, the Florida Panhandle can experience colder weather conditions due to weather systems coming from the southeastern United States. This snowfall is part of a wave of winter storms that has impacted the southeast of the country, combining cold Arctic air with moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.
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