Winter Wonderland in Florida

Florida Witnesses Heavy Snow for the First Time Since 1988

Photo by Leah Song/Maclay Andalusian

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, North Florida was largely covered with white snow, the first occurrence in the area in 35 years. The Great Southern Snowstorm of 2025 began on Dec. 22, 2024 and made its way to the Southern United States, marking the greatest snowstorm threat in Florida since 1989. Pensacola reported 7.5 inches of snow, breaking the record of 3 inches from 1895. Tallahassee reported slightly above 2 inches, with the highest record of 2.1 inches found in Mason Community Park.

“I drove my ATV around the yard in the snow, I took a lot of pictures in the snow and I was really happy about it,” junior Will Hunkapillar said.

Below freezing temperatures lasted several days, and most schools, stores and airports were closed due to harsh weather conditions and frozen roads. Schools in Leon County were closed from Jan. 22–24. Many Florida residents celebrated the snow days by sledding, building snowmen and engaging in more winter activities.

“I got to sled, do some snow ball fights and make some snowmen,” senior Annelise LaFace said. “It was a new sight in a way because we are in the sunshine state and don’t get stuff like that.”

Since winter storm is a once-in-a-decade occasion in Florida, the state owns minimal equipment for ice and snow. As a result, it took longer to recover the roads compared to other states. Many people who are not used to driving in the snow stayed off the roads on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“I think it caught a lot of people off guard who didn’t know how to drive and get rid of it [the snow], but it was exciting for us since we never get snow,” senior Payton Thumm said.

After a week of atypical weather, Florida is warming up to its original state with the highest daily temperatures ranging in the 70s degrees Fahrenheit. Even though the snow is gone, Florida residents still recall special memories made with their loved ones.

“I think it brought families together to be honest,” sophomore Lauren Ferraro said. “Everyone was hanging out with friends and being with family. It was so rare.”