Snow rarely occurs in the state of Florida but it's been big news this weekend as snow fell in parts of the sunshine state as a result of record low temperatures. The snow fell early in the morning but quickly gave way to icy rain and chilly winds. The Ocala National Forest is reported to have the most snow with reports of snow as low as in the 20's throughout Friday night.
A very light dusting of snow was reported in the eastern Jacksonville area. Light snow also fell in parts of central Florida, which briefly accumulated slightly in parts of Marion County. Sleet was widespread across the Orlando area.
Florida's citrus growers said they were closely watching the weather as cold temperatures blew across the U.S. South Saturday. Temperatures have been as much as 20 degrees below normal and vacationers in spots such as Disney World in Florida are adding a few extra layers to their vacation wardrobe.
How often does it actually snow in Florida?
In the past ten years there has been little or no snow in Florida.
On January 24, 2003 there were record low temperatures and light snow flurries along the eastern coastline. The snow reached as far south as Fort Pierce.
Other reports of snow during the time period between 2000-2009 were sparse and insignificant, from a light dusting in November,2006 to a few snowflakes spotted in February, 2008.
The most significant snow fall in the 20th century was on March 6, 1954. Four inches of snow accumulated at Milton Experimental Station, Santa Rosa County within a 24 hour period. This is the highest official total for Florida according to weather records.
On March 12, 1993 there was snowfall along the Florida Panhandle producing up to 4 inches of snow. This was known in the news as the 1993 Superstorm.
There were several years in the 1950's that had some recorded snowfall. On February 2, 1951 snowfall accumulated to about 2 inches in Saint Augustine and Crescent City and on March 28, 1955, snowfall accumulated to about an inch in Marianna along the Florida Panhandle.
February 13, 1958 produced a romantic snowfall the night before Valentine's Day. An overnight rainfall changed to snow in Jacksonville with reports of up to 1.5 inches. Tallahassee reported a record 2.8 inches.
While not the most snow on record, there was a long period of snowfall back in 1899. On February 12 and 13, 1899, snow fell for about 8 hours. Dubbed the Great Blizzard of 1899 temperatures were about 10° F with snow accumulating to 2 inches near Jacksonville and about 4 inches in Lake Butler. In some locations, the snow remains on the ground for several days.
Wintry weather will continue in much of Florida this weekend but there is no indication of significant snowfall, if any. Tonight much of central Florida will be very cold promises to very cold with overnight lows in the mid and upper 20s away from the coast and lower 30s Melbourne south.
Bundle up, Mickey Mouse!
Written by Cheryl Phillips
HULIQ.com
sources: weatherchannel.com, wunderground.com, wikipedia.com
photo: Eduardo Fernandez/wikimedia commons
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
