You probably woke up, checked your weather app, and thought it was a glitch. Florida? Snow? Again?
Well, it happened. If you were looking for where did it snow in Florida today, you need to point your map toward the western Florida Panhandle. Specifically, places like Holt, Crestview, and Milton saw actual flakes falling from the sky on Sunday morning, January 18, 2026.
Honestly, it’s wild. This is the second year in a row that Florida has dealt with a winter wonderland. Last year, the "Big Snow" of January 2025 dropped record-breaking totals—up to 10 inches in some spots. This morning wasn't quite that dramatic, but seeing snow nestled into palm fronds is never "normal" in a state known for oranges and Mickey Mouse.
Where Exactly Did the Flakes Fall?
The action mostly centered around the Interstate 10 corridor in the Northwest. According to the National Weather Service, a cold front rushed in behind some rain showers, and the temperature dropped just fast enough to turn those droplets into white powder.
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- Holt, FL: Residents like Danielle Brahier reported snow starting as early as 4:00 AM.
- Pensacola: People were watching snow fall with their morning coffee. It wasn't a blizzard, but it was enough to cover the grass and rooftops briefly.
- Tallahassee: The state capital saw flurries and a trace of snow at the Capitol building. Meteorologist Kristian Oliver from the NWS Tallahassee office noted that while the ground was mostly too warm for it to stick to the roads, it definitely made for some incredible photos.
- Walton County: The Sheriff’s Office even posted photos of frosty lawns, reminding everyone to be careful on the roads.
Basically, if you’re in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, or Walton County, you likely saw some white stuff.
Why Does This Keep Happening?
People are calling it "anomalous," and they’re right. Having back-to-back years with measurable snow in Florida is rare. The science is pretty straightforward, though: we’ve got a massive 1,500-mile storm system stretching all the way to Maine. Arctic air is diving deep into the South, colliding with moisture from the Gulf.
Last year, on January 21, 2025, Milton, Florida, recorded 10 inches of snow. That was a once-in-a-century event. Today was more of a "dusting," with accumulation reaching maybe an inch or two in the coldest pockets. Still, for a state that usually averages zero, it’s a big deal.
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Is It Sticking?
The roads are mostly just wet because Florida’s ground holds a lot of heat. However, the real danger isn't the snow itself—it's the refreeze.
As we move into Sunday night and Monday morning, temperatures are expected to plummet into the low 20s across North Florida. Any slush or water left on the pavement is going to turn into black ice. If you’re driving on I-10 or overpasses in Crestview, you’ve got to be careful. Local police have already reported minor accidents from people sliding on slick spots.
The "Deep Freeze" Heading South
While the snow was limited to the Panhandle, the cold is moving through the rest of the state like a freight train.
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- Central Florida: Orlando is under a freeze warning for Sunday night. We’re talking temperatures hitting 25 degrees with wind chills in the low 20s.
- South Florida: Even Naples isn't safe. A cold weather advisory is in effect, with wind chills expected to dip to 29 degrees.
- Agriculture: Over in Plant City, farmers are already spraying their strawberry crops with water to create a protective layer of ice. It sounds counterintuitive, but that ice "blanket" actually keeps the fruit from freezing and dying.
What to Do Next
If you're in the path of this cold snap, don't just focus on the snow photos. Florida homes aren't built for this.
- Drip your faucets: If you have exposed pipes, let them drip to prevent bursting.
- Bring in the pets: If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.
- Cover the plants: Those tropical hibiscus bushes will turn to mush if you don't throw a blanket over them.
- Check on neighbors: Especially the elderly who might not have adequate heating.
This winter blast is expected to be short-lived. By Tuesday night, lows should be back up into the 40s, and by Thursday, we’ll be back to the typical Florida "winter" of 70-degree afternoons. But for today, the Panhandle gets to keep its title as the "Snowy State."
If you’re heading out, check the FDOT real-time road conditions. The snow is pretty, but the ice is a nightmare. Stay warm and keep those cameras ready—you won't see palm trees covered in snow again for a while. Probably.