The arrival of arctic air Florida could bring an unusual phenomenon: snow and freezing rain in some areas of the state, according to the FOX Forecast Center. Although the predictions still present uncertainty, meteorologists warn that the combination of a cold front and a low pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico will generate conditions conducive to winter precipitation in the Panhandle and northern Florida starting Tuesday.
According to meteorologists, the winter storm that will affect much of southeastern USA is due to the interaction between a low pressure system and a mass of arctic air. The low pressure system is forming in the Gulf of Mexicoand as it moves northeast, it will carry humidity to the southeast of the country, including Florida.
He National Weather Service (NWS) explained that cold air will arrive in the state on the night of Sundaywith temperatures close to or below 0°C in some areas. For the night of Tuesday and early Wednesdaythe moisture associated with the storm could generate freezing rain, sleet and possibly snow in areas of the northern Florida.
According to the FOX Forecast Centerthe highest chances of seeing snow or sleet They concentrate on the Florida Panhandleas well as in the upstateincluding cities like Tallahassee, Gainesville and Ocala. The meteorologist Noah Bergren, of FOX 35indicated that the model European suggests cold air will extend farther south than the U.S. model predicts, increasing the chance of snow or ice in parts of northern and central Florida. However, the exact frost line remains uncertain.
For its part, Eric Burris, meteorologist WESHpointed out that although some models show winter precipitation In Florida, not everyone agrees that temperatures are cold enough to allow snow to form. “The models are a guide, not a gospel,” Burris said in a broadcast WESH 2 Newswarning about the misinformation circulating on social networks regarding this phenomenon.
Regarding historical precedents, FOXNews recalled that the last time snow was recorded in orlando it was in 2016although only a few flakes fell without significant accumulation. Snow events in Florida have occurred in the past, but usually in the north of the state and with slight accumulations.
Given the possibility of a winter event, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has started to prepare snow blowers and ice removal equipment. This picture is unusual in a state where temperatures rarely fall enough to justify these measures.
He N.W.S. warned about possible mobility impairmentsespecially on the roads of the northern floridawhere ice could represent a driving risk. “People should delay all travel if possible,” the office said. National Weather Service in Houston. Authorities have also urged drivers to take precautions in case of ice on the roadsrecommending reduce speed, increase the distance between vehicles and avoid sudden braking.
In Florida, the main problem could be freezing rainwhich occurs when rain falls in an environment with subzero temperaturesforming a layer of ice on roads, trees and structureshe explained FOXNews. According to the N.W.S.this phenomenon could occur in Ocala and Gainesvillewhich would increase the risk of blackouts and accidents.
The winter system will not only affect Florida. The storm will cause heavy snowfall in other states of the southeast of the countrywith accumulations of up to 20cm in parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Cities like Houston, New Orleans and Atlanta have issued winter storm warningsand airlines have already begun to prepare for possible flight cancellations due to bad weather.
