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Historic Winter Storm Grips Florida

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/24/historic-winter-storm-grips-florida.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 5:03 GMT by Sun Sentinel
      Locales: Florida, Georgia, UNITED STATES

Tallahassee, FL - Florida is currently experiencing a historic and unprecedented winter storm, bringing frigid temperatures, snow flurries, and widespread disruption to a state unaccustomed to such conditions. As of Tuesday, February 24th, 2026, the storm continues to impact travel, infrastructure, and daily life across the Sunshine State, prompting a state of emergency declaration from Governor Eleanor Vance.

The unusual weather system began to manifest late Monday, with initial reports of snow flurries reaching as far south as Miami - a phenomenon virtually unheard of in the region. While snowfall accumulation has been light in South Florida, the combination of below-freezing temperatures and even minimal precipitation has created hazardous conditions on roads and runways. The panhandle and central Florida are bearing the brunt of the storm, with significant snow and ice accumulation leading to widespread highway closures and treacherous driving conditions.

Major airports, including Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Orlando International Airport (MCO), were forced to temporarily suspend operations on Monday evening, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. As of this morning, limited flights are resuming at MCO, but significant delays and cancellations are expected throughout the day. FLL remains largely closed, with officials citing ongoing concerns about de-icing capabilities and runway safety. The cascading effect of these disruptions is rippling across the national air travel network, impacting connections and causing widespread delays nationwide.

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) crews are working tirelessly to clear roadways, prioritizing major arteries and emergency routes. However, the persistent freezing temperatures are hindering their efforts, as de-icing agents become less effective in extreme cold. Many secondary roads remain impassable, and authorities are strongly advising against all non-essential travel. The Florida Highway Patrol has reported a surge in traffic accidents, primarily involving vehicles sliding on icy patches.

Schools and universities throughout the state have announced closures and cancellations for Tuesday, February 24th, and in some districts, Wednesday as well. The decision, driven by concerns for student and staff safety, impacts millions of students and places a strain on childcare arrangements for working parents. Local governments are opening emergency warming shelters for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and homeless, to provide respite from the frigid temperatures.

Governor Vance, in a press conference earlier today, emphasized the severity of the situation. "This is an unprecedented weather event for Florida," she stated. "We are facing conditions that our state has not seen in recorded history. We are urging all residents to exercise extreme caution, heed the advice of local authorities, and prioritize safety above all else." She further detailed the deployment of state emergency response teams to assist with any potential crises, including power outages and medical emergencies. The Governor's office is coordinating with federal agencies, including FEMA, to assess potential needs for federal assistance.

Power outages are becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly in areas experiencing significant ice accumulation. Utility companies are working to restore service, but the challenging conditions are slowing down repair efforts. Residents are advised to conserve energy, use generators safely, and report any downed power lines immediately. The prolonged exposure to cold temperatures is raising concerns about hypothermia and frostbite, especially among those without adequate shelter.

Experts are attributing this unusual weather pattern to a combination of factors, including a weakening polar vortex and a southward dip in the jet stream. While the current forecast indicates a gradual warming trend beginning later this week, the long-term implications of such extreme weather events are prompting discussions about climate change and the need for increased preparedness for future disruptions. The Florida Division of Emergency Management is already initiating a review of the state's emergency response protocols to identify areas for improvement.

Travelers intending to fly through or drive in Florida are strongly encouraged to check with their airlines and highway patrol for the latest updates. The situation remains fluid, and conditions can change rapidly. Residents are advised to stay informed through local news channels, the National Weather Service, and official state and local government websites.