A powerful bomb cyclone brought record-breaking snowfall and freezing temperatures to a large swath of the U.S., from the Gulf Coast to New England, affecting approximately 150 million people under cold weather advisories. The storm, characterized by rapidly intensifying low-pressure systems, caused heavy snowfall in North Carolina, where two fatalities occurred due to storm-related collisions, and historic cold in Florida, where temperatures dropped to the 20s in the Panhandle and 30s in South Florida—the coldest since December 1989.
North Carolina Hit Hardest
Nearly a foot of snow fell in and around Charlotte, marking one of the city’s top-five snow events ever. Governor Josh Stein reported over 1,000 collisions on snowy roads, though details on the victims were not provided. Flight cancellations exceeded 2,800 on Saturday and 1,800 on Sunday, with 800 cancellations tied to Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Florida Faces Unusual Cold
Temperatures in Tampa dropped to 23°F in Daytona Beach, 25°F in Melbourne, and 26°F in Vero Beach, breaking long-standing records. Miami saw its coldest morning since 2010 at 35°F. The extreme cold caused iguanas to fall from trees, prompting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to issue an executive order allowing the removal of cold-stunned reptiles. Farmers also reported ice on strawberries and oranges, with some spraying water to protect crops.
Widespread Disruptions
The storm contributed to travel chaos, with 100 vehicles stranded on Interstate 85 near Kannapolis due to heavy snow. Power outages affected thousands, particularly in areas still recovering from last weekend’s ice storm. Meteorologists noted the storm’s rapid intensification, meeting the criteria for a bomb cyclone—a system that strengthens by at least 24 millibars in 24 hours.
Long-Term Implications
While Florida is not typically equipped for such cold, residents continued outdoor activities, though with added layers. Atmospheric scientists noted that while cold snaps were more frequent in the 1980s, they are now rarer due to warmer average temperatures. The storm follows last week’s deadly winter weather, which claimed 85 lives across multiple states.
Official Responses
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of life-threatening wind chills, while local authorities urged caution on icy roads. AccuWeather meteorologists highlighted the storm’s unusual intensity, with some areas receiving over 20 inches of snow—the heaviest in decades. The storm’s path and impact were closely monitored by emergency services and transportation agencies.