floridaa state associated with sun and beaches; When you wake up in January 2025, amazing white blanket of snowcertain cities such as Pensacola have accumulated records for almost 130 years. The so-called storm of the century paralyzed much of the Panhandle, prompting Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency. With the new winter season looming, many are wondering if this unprecedented scenario will repeat itself..
From January 20th to 22nd, 2025. arctic air mass It descended over the Gulf of Mexico and merged with a low pressure system. for cause gulf blizzardlater named the storm Éowyn. According to the US National Weather Service, First blizzard recorded on the Gulf Coast and the heaviest since 1895.
During its passage, This system affected Texas, Louisiana, and Florida with a combination of snow, sleet, cold rain. in pensacolawith wind gusts reaching 40 miles per hour (64 kilometers per hour). Temperatures dropped to 15°F (-9°C).
of average snowfall in coastal areas Range of 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm)nevertheless pensacola news journal Some locations in the Panhandle reported up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) recorded. State records date back to 1954 in Milton, Santa Rosa County..
The impact was devastating. 77,000 people left without electricitythousands of flight canceled And at least 13 people lost their lives.
Depending on the size of the phenomenon, Governor Ron DeSantis He issued Executive Order 25-13, in which he declared: State of emergency declared across Florida. In an official document, the president warned: “All forms of hazardous winter weather are possible, including snow, sleet, and freezing rain.”it is thought that it could have a serious impact on roads, bridges, and power lines.
laws and regulations Authorized the emergency management department to coordinate response actions.activate the National Guard and secure the necessary national funding to protect the public. It also gave local governments the power to close public buildings. Suspend administrative procedures and open temporary evacuation centers.
As an emergency measure, Closing schools, universities, and state offices It’s in the northern area. Bay School District, Escambia School District, Santa Rosa School District, Walton School District, etc. Classes have been canceled for at least two daysMeanwhile, the Department of Transport warned that highways and viaducts could be closed due to ice formation.
he pensacola news journal He described the episode as follows “Storm of the Century”. combination of Snow, frigid temperatures and strong winds have turned the Panhandle region into a wintry landscape rarely seen.
The memory of that snowfall raises questions such as: Is it possible that a similar phenomenon will repeat this winter? According to the prediction of old farmer’s almanac, The winter of 2025-2026 will be milder, albeit with some unpredictability..
Forecasts call for temperatures in much of North America to be near or slightly above normal. Found in the Southeast, Appalachians, and Florida colder than usual. The publication, considered the classic reference work on climate issues since 1792, warns: “Don’t forget to shovel snow and bring an umbrella.”.
Factors that will affect next winter include: Weakening of La Niñamaintaining a warm pattern in the Atlantic Ocean; Polar vortex displacement send arctic air south. Forecasts predict less snow than in 2025, but the risk of a sudden cold snap remains.
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