Florida once again recorded an unusual phenomenon for the so-called "Sunshine State": snow.
This Sunday, January 18, the city of Marianna, in Jackson County in the northwest of the state, became the epicenter of the event, where snowfall was reported for several hours.
According to Rubén Capote, head of meteorology at Telemundo, it is estimated that the accumulation could reach between one and three inches in specific areas.
"We have a winter storm warning, so if you are driving, do so with caution," he warned.
"For now, we do not see accumulation on the roads, and it is likely that we may not have any because the surface is still a bit warm. However, on the grass, on the cars, we would certainly be seeing that winter precipitation in the form of snow," he detailed.
The event comes after an episode of intense cold that began last Friday, when southern Florida woke up under the influence of the coldest air in almost four years.
That day, the minimum temperatures in the interior of Broward and Miami-Dade counties hovered around 40 °F, with a wind chill making it feel as low as 30 °F. In the northern part of the state, including the Tampa Bay area, widespread frost was observed and temperatures approached the freezing point.
The experts announced a new cold front scheduled to cross the state on Sunday, bringing an additional drop in temperatures.
According to forecasts, these conditions could persist until the middle of next week, leading to an extended period of low temperatures for Florida standards.
In light of this situation, the Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue Department issued extensive recommendations to protect individuals, homes, pets, and plants.
Among the main measures, it is advised to stay home as much as possible, to keep an eye on the most vulnerable—children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—and to dress in several layers of loose clothing when going out, particularly protecting the head and ears.
Pets should have a warm and wind-protected shelter, while potted plants should be moved indoors, placed in well-lit areas, and kept away from drafts. Outdoors, trees and plants should be well-watered to reduce the risk of damage from the cold.
At home, it is recommended to use central heating whenever possible, and if opting for portable electric heaters, ensure that they are certified by accredited laboratories and approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Users must follow the manufacturer's instructions, keep the equipment clean, and place it on firm surfaces, avoiding damp areas and damaged cables.
It is also emphasized not to use charcoal, grills, or the oven for heating, as well as creating a child and pet-free zone around the heaters.
The Department summarized its advice in the "4 Ps of cold weather safety": watch over vulnerable individuals, protect pets, care for plants, and exercise caution with heating equipment.
Authorities insist on turning off and unplugging devices when leaving the room or going to sleep, as well as keeping smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in good working order.
This phenomenon once again puts Florida in the spotlight of weather attention, as snow and extreme temperatures represent an uncommon event that underscores the importance of preparedness for atypical climate changes in the state.
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