TAMPA, Fla. – In a rare turn of events that has captured the attention of residents across the region, the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay confirmed they spotted snow flurries at their Ruskin office early Sunday morning.
The agency shared the news on X, noting that the flurries appeared around 4:45 AM on February 1st. While the sight was a brief novelty, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangerously cold air mass currently gripping the state.
Weather officials warned that despite the morning excitement, Sunday will remain biting, with high temperatures struggling to reach even the 40s and 50s. The situation is expected to turn hazardous again as the sun goes down, with overnight lows projected to fall back into the 20s and 30s.
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The National Weather Service continues to maintain an Extreme Cold Warning and a Freeze Warning through Sunday morning, with wind chills having dipped as low as 8 degrees in some areas. A Wind Advisory remains active for much of the morning as northwest winds gusting up to 35 mph continue to sweep through west central and southwest Florida.
A second wave of freezing conditions is already on the horizon. A new Freeze Warning and Cold Weather Advisory will take effect starting at 7 PM Sunday and lasting until Monday morning.
Forecasters expect temperatures to drop back into the low 20s with wind chills near 18 degrees, threatening sensitive crops, outdoor plumbing, and local vegetation.
Residents are urged to stay indoors as much as possible and keep pets inside. If travel is necessary, wear heavy layers, including hats and gloves, and use extreme caution if driving high-profile vehicles in the wind. Officials also stress the importance of checking on elderly neighbors and ensuring that portable heaters are used safely and away from flammable objects.
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