Central Florida experienced record-low temperatures and rare snow flurries over the weekend, marking an unusual winter weather event. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that several cities, including Orlando, Sanford, Leesburg, and Melbourne, set new record lows for February 1. Orlando’s low of 24 degrees broke a 1936 record, while Sanford and Leesburg also surpassed previous lows set in 1965 and 1979, respectively.
Wind chills across the region dropped into the single digits and low teens, with Longwood reaching 7 degrees. Powerful gusts of up to 50 mph were recorded along the coast, contributing to the frigid conditions. The NWS issued extreme cold warnings, cautioning residents about the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
Snow flurries were reported in Tampa and Saint Petersburg, the first such occurrence in 16 years. Meteorologists shared footage of the flurries, noting that the last time snow was recorded in Tampa was January 2010. The NWS also warned of dangerously cold temperatures across the state, with lows expected to remain in the 20s and 30s.
Freeze warnings persisted into Monday, with temperatures expected to drop below freezing in areas like Ocala, The Villages, and Palm Coast. Residents were advised to take precautions, such as bringing pets indoors and covering exposed pipes. The NWS predicted a gradual rebound in temperatures by midday Monday, though conditions would remain below average.
The extreme cold extended beyond Florida, with South Carolina breaking a 49-year snowfall record. The NWS warned of bitterly cold air sweeping across the Southeast, with temperatures not seen since December 1989 in southern Florida.