News Summary
Tallahassee is under a Winter Storm Warning for the first time since 2018, with forecasts of freezing rain, sleet, and snow starting Tuesday afternoon. Accumulations of snow and ice could lead to dangerous travel conditions. Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency, and local institutions are adjusting schedules in response to the storm. Residents are advised to monitor weather updates and avoid travel during hazardous conditions.
Tallahassee, FL – Tallahassee has been placed under a Winter Storm Warning, marking its first issuance since 2018, as the region prepares for potentially hazardous winter weather. The National Weather Service has forecasted a mix of freezing rain, sleet, snow, and rain, raising significant concerns about travel disruptions and safety conditions starting Tuesday afternoon.
The warning comes amid predictions of snow accumulations ranging from 1 to 2 inches, with the possibility of higher amounts in certain areas. Additionally, ice accumulation in Leon and Wakulla counties could reach up to a quarter of an inch, which poses risks for both road conditions and power lines. Meteorologists suggest that the onset of this wintry mix could begin between 3 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, with accumulating snow expected around 6 p.m..
In preparation for adverse weather, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for the region, allowing for quicker deployment of resources. The Florida Department of Transportation is mobilizing crews and equipment, including snow plows and de-icing gear, to manage the icy conditions expected to affect local roadways.
Local institutions are also adjusting their schedules in response to the anticipated weather. Leon County Government has announced the closure of public-facing offices, community centers, and libraries on Wednesday. Both Florida A&M University and Florida State University will close for Tuesday and Wednesday, and Leon County Schools plans to dismiss students early on Tuesday while canceling all after-school activities.
Current weather conditions show that while temperatures in the I-75 corridor range from the 50s to 60s, other areas are experiencing more humid temperatures with lows in the mid to upper 60s. Although spot showers may develop in the western neighborhoods on Wednesday afternoon, a drier air mass moving in from the Atlantic is expected to stabilize conditions by Friday.
An ongoing line of storms is currently moving across Florida’s Panhandle, becoming an additional concern for localized severe weather. A tornado watch is active for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties until 6 p.m. on Monday, with reports of damaging winds, heavy rain, and brief tornado activity possible.
Looking ahead, a new weather system is predicted to affect the area over the upcoming weekend, with storm timing still uncertain but likely to bring widespread rain and potential storms. As weather forecasts continue to evolve, lows are expected to drop into the mid to upper 20s in the following nights, further contributing to concerns about hazardous travel conditions.
The National Weather Service has raised the likelihood of winter storm impacts to between 60-90% for the region, with moderate impacts expected at a rate of 20-40%. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and avoid travel once the wintry accumulations begin, prioritizing safety in these challenging conditions.
Residents are urged to stay updated on changing weather patterns and heed advisories from local authorities regarding closures and safety precautions amidst the winter storm warning.
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Additional Resources
- Weather.com: Tallahassee, FL 10-Day Forecast
- Tallahassee.com: Florida Weather Forecast
- Tallahassee.com: Severe Weather Forecast
- Wikipedia: Weather
- Google Search: Winter Storm Warning Tallahassee
