At a Glance
- Snow flurries hit Florida’s panhandle on January 18, 2026, just before 8 a.m. local time
- DeFuniak Springs, Ponce de Leon, and parts of Walton County saw flakes
- Winter storm warnings were issued Saturday, Jan. 17, ahead of the rare event
- Why it matters: Snow in Florida is extremely rare, with only about 80 months reporting flakes since 1886
Florida residents woke to an unusual sight Sunday morning as snow flurries swept across the panhandle. The Florida Department of Transportation’s FL511 system confirmed flakes in Holmes and Walton counties.
Rare Weather Event
The snowfall began shortly before 8 a.m., dusting roads and rooftops in DeFuniak Springs and Ponce de Leon. FL511 cameras captured the flakes as they fell, giving drivers a real-time look at the wintry scene.
A freeze warning and cold weather advisory remained in effect until 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 18, according to the National Weather Service.
Weekend Warnings
The Weather Channel reported that winter storm warnings were posted across the region on Saturday, Jan. 17. Residents stocked up on supplies and prepared for icy conditions.
Select areas of Alabama and Georgia also reported wintry precipitation over the same weekend, though Florida’s snowfall drew the most attention.
Historical Context
While snow in Florida is rare, it is not unprecedented. Florida State University’s Climate Center records show:
- First documented snowfall: 1774
- Roughly 80 months have reported snow somewhere in the state since 1886
- Last January, the panhandle saw a state record-breaking 8-10 inches during the Gulf Coast Blizzard, later named Storm Éowyn
What Made This Event Special
The Jan. 18, 2026, event was notable for its timing and location. Snow fell farther south than typical panhandle flurries, reaching into Walton County. Temperatures dipped low enough to support frozen precipitation, yet rose quickly enough to prevent significant accumulation.
Jonathan P. Miller reported that FL511 cameras tracked the flakes in real time, allowing officials to alert motorists within minutes.
Regional Impact
Power outages were minimal, and no major accidents were reported. Road crews treated bridges and overpasses, but most routes remained open.
School districts in Holmes and Walton counties delayed start times by two hours Monday as a precaution.
Looking Ahead
Meteorologists note that cold snaps can still occur through early March in northern Florida. The National Weather Service urges residents to keep emergency kits ready, even in typically warm climates.
Key Takeaways
- Snow flurries fell in Florida on January 18, 2026, marking one of roughly 80 snow months since 1886
- FL511 cameras captured flakes in DeFuniak Springs, Ponce de Leon, and Walton County
- Winter storm warnings were issued Saturday, Jan. 17, ahead of the rare event
- A freeze warning stayed in place until 9 a.m. Monday
