ORLANDO, Fla. – Say it isn’t SNOW?! Well, in this case, measurable snow IS in the forecast for some Floridians this week.
The stars look to align for significant snowfall in the Panhandle, as a stationary front picks up waves of moisture from the Gulf Tuesday night through Wednesday.
Forecast confidence continues to grow as moisture in the Gulf will surge in on the heels of bitter cold weather this week. This rare one-two-punch of weather features could bring record snowfall for some.
The last time Tallahassee had 1 inch of snowfall was December 1989. The highest recorded snow was 2.8 inches in February 1958.
The winter precipitation is expected to arrive late Tuesday night with chances of snow and sleet lingering into Wednesday afternoon. Ahead of this event, a rare Winter Storm Watch is in effect for parts of the Panhandle and the Big Bend from Tuesday night and through Wednesday evening.
Latest forecast trends show a likely chance of 1 inch of snow or more from Tallahassee and areas to the west, with freezing rain and sleet likely further east toward Jacksonville.
As of Monday morning, models are picking up about 4-8 inches possible.
The highest chance for snow and sleet arrives by sunset on Tuesday evening with snow and sleet mix stretching into Tallahassee.
Few hours later, models are picking up some sleet as far south as Alachua County and east towards Jacksonville.
Most of the winter weather concern wraps up by daybreak on Wednesday.
If you need to drive through these areas Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning, remember to reduce your speeds and avoid sudden storms. Just like in the rain, if your car looses traction, turn your steering wheel in the same direction your car is going.
The highest threat for icy road conditions will be along bridges and overpasses. Bridges ice faster than roads because they are exposed to air on both sides, allowing heat to escape more quickly, forming ice faster.
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