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The snowfall that surprised Florida since Tuesday has left stunning images in the northern part of the state, where the snow covered the warm sand and mingled with the sea.
Despite the severity of the storms, dozens of Floridians, unaccustomed to the white landscape, have managed to enjoy the weather, and many have even taken a dip in the sea, as shown in videos posted on Facebook.
The images from this unusual event, caused by the winter storm Enzo, quickly went viral on social media.
In Pensacola, some residents opted for an improvised form of sledding: they took out their beach and pool toys, such as floats and surfboards, to slide down the hills.
Others ventured to make snowmen in a place as warm as the Sunshine State.
In Panama City Beach (PCB), stunning videos were recorded showing how the ocean waves were replaced by a layer of snow. Meanwhile, a man was using a surf board to snowboard on the snow, causing a stir on social media with the hashtag #FloridaSnow.
The event not only left astonishment but also chaos. The extreme weather conditions, with subzero temperatures and accumulation of snow and ice, caused significant disruptions in the state's infrastructure. On Interstate 10, one of the main transportation arteries in the Panhandle, more than 50 incidents were reported due to ice on the roads.
The situation prompted the Florida Department of Highway Safety to issue urgent alerts, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
Additionally, Tallahassee International Airport suspended its operations and more than 2,000 flights were canceled across the state, impacting the plans of thousands of travelers.
In light of the magnitude of the phenomenon, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency on Monday, underscoring the dangerous weather conditions and urging residents to stay informed about safety alerts.
In his message, DeSantis also activated the Florida National Guard to assist with emergency efforts.
The National Meteorological Service warned about the high likelihood of ice accumulation, which could lead to power outages and damage to key infrastructure.
Accumulations were estimated to be between 2.5 and 7.6 cm of snow in the region, although some areas of the Panhandle received up to 15 cm, breaking historical records.
Florida is known for its warm and sunny climate, especially in the central and southern parts of the state. Cities like Miami and Orlando rarely experience temperatures near the freezing point.
However, northern Florida, which includes the Panhandle, may be more susceptible to extreme cold waves coming from the north.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Snowfall in Florida in 2025
Why is snow so unusual in Florida?
Snow in Florida is unusual due to its warm and temperate climate, especially in the central and southern regions. However, the northern part of the state can experience colder conditions due to weather systems coming from the southeastern United States.
What caused the snowfall in Florida in 2025?
The snowfall was caused by the winter storm Enzo, which combined cold air from the polar vortex and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, creating the ideal conditions for snow to fall in the Florida Panhandle. Some areas recorded up to 15 cm of snow, surpassing historical records.
What emergency measures were taken in Florida due to the snowfall?
Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency and activated the Florida National Guard to assist in emergency operations. Urgent alerts were also issued to avoid unnecessary travel, and operations at Tallahassee International Airport were suspended.
How did the snowfall affect the infrastructure and services in Florida?
The snowfall caused chaos in Florida's infrastructure, with disruptions to roads and air traffic. More than 2,000 flights were canceled and the extreme weather conditions led to power outages, impacting thousands of homes and travelers.
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