A perfect scenario of Gulf moisture combined with below freezing temperatures allowed Northwest Florida and the Gulf Coast region to experience a once in a lifetime, historic snow event on Tuesday.
Snow began falling at 10 AM on Tuesday morning, and remained steady for several hours. Snow looks to finally come to an end by 10 PM Tuesday night.
Snowfall rates were approximately 1-2″ per hour through the majority of the day, leading to record snowfall totals across the region.
Here are the reports we have so far for snow accumulation totals (unofficial).
Pensacola, FL: 7.6 inches
Mobile, AL: 8 inches
Milton, FL: 8.8 inches
Gulf Breeze, FL: 8.25
Pace, FL: 8 inches
Daphne, AL: 9 inches
Orange Beach, AL- 6.5 inches
Cantonment, FL- 6 inches
Almarante, FL: 5 inches
-Destin, FL: 2.75 inches
This is the most snowfall ever recorded in the state of Florida, as well as SW Alabama. This was truly a once in a lifetime event.
The Winter Storm Warning will remain in effect until 6 AM Wednesday morning (excluding areas west of I-65).
As snow comes to an end, temperatures will plummet into the teens overnight. Winds will still be gusting out of the north, leaving us with dangerously low, single digit wind chills into Wednesday morning.
An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect until 10 AM Wednesday, as wind chills could drop to as low as 3 degrees in some spots. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. An extended period of freezing temperatures could cause ruptured water pipes.
With temperatures well below freezing overnight, snow will still be covering the ground on Wednesday. This could create even more issues with travel Wednesday, and maybe even Thursday, as this could cause freezing on the roadways.
The National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a strong worded Special Weather Statement in the event that reads….
“LIFE THREATENING TRAVEL CONDITIONS AND COLD CONTINUES..
Life threatening travel conditions coupled with life threatening cold temperatures will persist overnight as snow diminishes across the area. Most area roadways are completely impassible in the wake of the winter storm and folks should remain off the roadways through the morning. Temperatures are expected to plummet into the teens and even some isolated single digits tonight with wind chills well into the single digits and possibly dipping below zero.
DO NOT attempt to travel within the area tonight and anyone who does attempt to travel may become stranded and could be exposed to these harsh conditions for hours.”
High temperatures will only be in the 30s Wednesday afternoon, but look to gradually warm up into the weekend.
