Winter Storm Could Bring Rare Snow to Florida, Bahamas

Incoming storm may produce flurries in areas that haven't seen snow in nearly 50 years.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 1:07pm

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An incoming winter storm set to hit the U.S. this weekend could bring flurries to tropical areas like Florida and the Bahamas that haven't seen snow since 1977. Meteorologists say "ocean-effect flurries" are possible in west Florida and even over the ocean north of the Bahamas, due to the cold air from the storm interacting with the warmer ocean waters. This would be the first snow in Tampa in 16 years if it occurs.

Why it matters

Snowfall in Florida and the Bahamas is an extremely rare event, with the last occurrence being over 45 years ago. This unusual weather pattern highlights the potential impacts of powerful winter storms, even in typically warm and tropical regions, and raises questions about how climate change may be affecting weather patterns.

The details

The National Weather Service has issued winter storm watches across the Southeast, with the potential for up to a foot of snow in some areas. Meteorologists say the cold air from the storm will interact with the warmer ocean waters, creating "ocean-effect flurries" that could reach as far south as Tampa and even the Bahamas. This phenomenon is similar to lake-effect snow, where cold air moving over warm bodies of water can produce intense localized snowfall.

  • The winter storm is expected to hit the U.S. this weekend.
  • The last time it snowed in the Bahamas was in January 1977.
  • The last time it snowed in Miami, Florida was during a cold outbreak in January 1977.

The players

National Weather Service (NWS)

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related watches, warnings, and advisories.

Ben Noll

A meteorologist for The Washington Post who shared the forecast for potential snow flurries in Florida and the Bahamas on social media.

Paul Pastelok

An AccuWeather long-range forecaster who stated that the incoming storm could bring flurries to areas that haven't seen snow since the cold outbreak of January 1977.

Jeff Berardelli

The chief meteorologist for WFLA-TV in Tampa, Florida, who expressed surprise at the possibility of snow in the Tampa Bay area.

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What they’re saying

“This is pretty incredible.”

— Ben Noll, Meteorologist (The Washington Post)

“It can happen, but it's very hard to predict.”

— Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather Long Range Forecaster (Newsweek)

“Holy cow This has to be a first!! I was checking on the impacts of the SE Coast Blizzard, and noticed that #Tampa Bay has been highlighted in NOAA's Winter Storm Severity Index for a 'small' chance of #snow impacts. So, yes, I'm saying there's a chance.”

— Jeff Berardelli, Chief Meteorologist (WFLA-TV)

What’s next

Meteorologists will continue to monitor the storm's progress and provide updated forecasts on the potential for snow in Florida and the Bahamas as the weekend approaches.

The takeaway

This rare weather event highlights the potential for powerful winter storms to impact even typically warm and tropical regions, underscoring the need for communities to be prepared for unexpected and extreme weather patterns that may be influenced by climate change.