A severe weather warning has been put in place for several areas in northern and central Florida, including Walt Disney World, as winter weather is set to batter the Sunshine State.
According to WESH news, areas including Pensacola, Panama City, Tallahassee, and portions of Jacksonville will be under a winter storm warning beginning at 1:00 AM Wednesday, January 22nd. This “significant system” may bring freezing rain, ice, or snow. While most of Central Florida isn’t expected to see the same type of wintery mix, a bitter cold is expected to sweep through the area, and the possibility does exist that areas including Marion County and Flagler County may see freezing rain.
As far as Orlando goes, temperatures on Tuesday, January 21st are expected to reach the low 50s, before dipping into the low 40s for most of Wednesday. This cold air will be joined by heavy rains, leading to a “frigid, damp and dreary” day.
Here's a look at our latest futurecast model which shows snow across northern Florida and maybe a brief period of some sleet and freezing rain early Wednesday morning. Stay with #weshwx for updates. pic.twitter.com/bNWzRbNSSi
— Tony Mainolfi (@TMainolfiWESH) January 21, 2025
According to WESH, these temperatures should remain through the rest of the work-week, before sunshine along with a “general warmup” return to the forecast this weekend.
Not much changes today either-
Not fun weather… pic.twitter.com/WIMRG9PLuJ
— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) January 21, 2025
The incoming winter weather is expected to be so bad that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a state of emergency. In conjunction with that declaration, DeSantis released a statement on X (formerly Twitter): “Dangerously cold temperatures are being felt across North Florida this week, with possibilities of snow and black ice. At my direction, @FLSERT is monitoring this system closely, and @MyFDOT is on standby with snow plows and other equipment for road and bridge safety needs. Please stay attentive to weather conditions and safety alerts from local and state officials. Also, please be careful in icy conditions, especially on the roadways.”
Dangerously cold temperatures are being felt across North Florida this week, with possibilities of snow and black ice.
At my direction, @FLSERT is monitoring this system closely, and @MyFDOT is on standby with snow plows and other equipment for road and bridge safety needs.…
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 20, 2025
Florida is preparing for a strong blast of winter weather that could bring freezing rain or even snow to areas of the state that have never experienced them before. Stay tuned to DFB for further coverage of these weather events.
The Ultimate Disney World Packing List for 2025
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
Are you a Floridian prepping for winter weather? What steps have you taken? Let us know in the comments below.
Ah, YES. Global Warming has come to Florida.
Our New York City news says that Orlando got snow! How can we ever plan a vacation?
Yeah, but are they canceling Hollywood Studios after party tonight? We have non refundable tickets.
Ron DeSantis has not idea what “dangerously cold” means. It’s laughable that he thinks the temperatures that Florida will face are dangerous. Ron, come spend some time in the Midwest and Northeast to put it in perspective.