The state of Florida broke its snowfall record following the historic winter storm on Tuesday, with nearly 25 centimeters (9.8 inches) falling in Milton, in the northwest of the state. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared, 'Milton, Florida, not only breaks records, it shatters them,' highlighting that this amount is more than double the previous snowfall record in Florida, also recorded in Milton in 1954 with over 10 centimeters (4 inches).
Snowplow teams from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) are working hard to clear roads in the affected areas of northwest Florida. In Tallahassee, the state capital, a winter storm warning was issued with snow and sleet accumulations, leading to dangerous conditions on the roads. In Pensacola, in west Florida, unprecedented snowfall amounts were also recorded, resulting in the closure of schools, roads, and businesses in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
This unusual winter storm has affected the southern United States, reaching snowfall in areas unaccustomed to such climatic conditions, such as Louisiana and northern Florida, in addition to maintaining intense cold in the northeast of the country. The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings for several areas in the southeast, including parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
In New Orleans, Louisiana, snowfall accumulations of about 10 centimeters have been recorded, an unusually high amount for the region. Authorities have urged residents to take precautions against the extreme cold, limit non-essential travel, and prepare for possible disruptions in the electrical supply due to the weight of the snow on power lines.
A significant blast of cold has also been experienced in the northeast of the country. The NWS has issued extreme cold warnings, recommending residents dress in layers and limit outdoor exposure to prevent cases of hypothermia and frostbite. This cold wave is attributed to a polar vortex that has displaced arctic air southward, affecting much of the country.
Low temperatures and winter conditions are expected to continue in the coming days. Therefore, the public is advised to stay informed about weather updates and follow local authorities' recommendations to ensure their safety.