Bomb Cyclone Threatens Florida with Rare Snow

Freezing temperatures and high winds expected as storm system moves east.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 2:47pm

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A powerful winter storm system is forecast to bring rare snow to parts of Florida's Gulf Coast this weekend, with the Tampa Bay area potentially seeing its first snowfall in over a decade. The storm, which could develop into a 'bomb cyclone', is expected to drop temperatures well below freezing and produce high winds across the region.

Why it matters

Snowfall in Florida is an extremely rare occurrence, with the last measurable snow in the Tampa area recorded in 2010. This storm system could break cold weather records and poses risks to public safety, power infrastructure, and vulnerable populations, particularly in the southern parts of the state unaccustomed to such extreme winter weather.

The details

The storm system has already begun dropping snow across parts of the Southeast, including eastern Tennessee, the Carolinas, and southern Virginia. By Saturday, nearly 200,000 customers were without power, mostly in Tennessee and Mississippi. In Florida, the National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for Sunday morning, with wind chills potentially reaching the upper-teens in West Palm Beach. Cities are asking customers to conserve power, and medical institutions are seeing an influx of flu and asthma diagnoses.

  • The storm had already begun to drop snow on parts of eastern Tennessee, the Carolinas, and southern Virginia by Friday.
  • Tampa could see snow flurries for the first time since 2010.
  • About 240 million people were under cold weather advisories Saturday.
  • The storm may develop into a 'bomb cyclone' on Saturday afternoon.
  • An Extreme Cold Warning is in place for Sunday morning in Florida.

The players

National Weather Service (NWS)

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

Josh Stein

The governor of North Carolina, who issued a State of Emergency and advisory urging people to stay off the roads due to the storm.

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What they’re saying

“An explosively deepening coastal cyclone will continue to bring moderate to heavy snow, high winds, and possibly blizzard conditions for the Carolinas through tonight.”

— National Weather Service

“Our transportation, public safety, and emergency management teams are positioned and working to keep people safe, and I'm grateful for their continued efforts. Stay home and off the roads, grab a sled, and enjoy the winter fun.”

— Josh Stein, Governor of North Carolina

What’s next

The storm is expected to move out to sea by Sunday, keeping snow out of the Northeast. However, North Carolina is likely to be hit hard, with parts of the state potentially seeing 8-13 inches of snow.

The takeaway

This rare winter storm system highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events driven by climate change. While the South is not typically known for heavy snowfall, this 'bomb cyclone' demonstrates the need for communities to be prepared for the unexpected and to take proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations and critical infrastructure.