Rare Snowfall Blankets Florida Panhandle, Georgia, and Alabama
Over the past weekend, rare snowfall transformed the Florida Panhandle, central Georgia, and southern Alabama. The unusual winter weather brought a light dusting of snow, particularly impacting areas where residents were not accustomed to such conditions.
Snowfall Overview
In areas of the Florida Panhandle, snowfall measured up to an inch, enough for locals to create snowballs and enjoy the sight of snow-covered palm trees. In Georgia, Smithville and Montecito reported the highest totals, each receiving around 3 inches of snow. This rare winter phenomenon sparked winter storm warnings from Macon, Georgia, to Tallahassee, Florida.
Weather Conditions and Impact
Flurries began late Saturday night, coating beaches and palm fronds in snow. Though temperatures were relatively warm, which prevented accumulation on roadways, grass was dusted with a thin layer of snow before it melted away.
- Key Locations Affected:
- Florida Panhandle
- Centrals Georgia
- Southern Alabama
- Snow Totals:
- Florida: Up to 1 inch
- Georgia: Smithville and Montecito – 3 inches
Traffic cameras captured a snowy landscape along Interstate 10 in the panhandle by sunrise, showcasing the sudden winter transformation. This occurrence comes just a year after the historic Winter Storm Enzo, which set a snowfall record for Florida at 9.8 inches in Milton.
Record Snowfall in Context
The previous record for snowfall in Florida was 4 inches, set in 1954. The snowfall experienced in January 2026 was notable as it represented the most significant winter event in the region since the late 1800s. As temperatures dipped further on Sunday night, the Georgia Department of Transportation prepared for potential black ice by deploying salt trucks across affected roads.
Residents in these states experienced a rare winter wonderland, highlighting the unpredictability of seasonal weather patterns in the southeastern United States.
