Jacksonville Remembers the Snowstorm of 1989

News Summary

On December 23, 1989, Jacksonville experienced an unprecedented snowstorm, covering the city in nearly two inches of snow. This event disrupted holiday travel and led to the cancellation of flights while allowing residents to enjoy rare winter activities. The snowstorm remains a significant memory for many, marking the last substantial snowfall in the area for over 30 years. As reminiscences surface, Jacksonville reflects on that remarkable winter day and the joy it brought amidst chaos.

Jacksonville Remembers a Snowy Surprise: The Historic Snowstorm of 1989

Oh, Jacksonville! It’s hard to believe that a balmy Florida city would find itself covered in nearly two inches of snow. But that was the stark reality on December 23, 1989, marking it as the last big snow event for this sunny locale. Fast forward to today, and many still reminisce about that unforgettable day when the unexpected happened.

A White Christmas in the South

The snowy surprise came after a long 20-hour bout of freezing rain and sleet, leaving the roads in a treacherous state. Residents were forced to rethink their travels as icy bridges rendered them impassable. The chaos didn’t end there—bridges, streets, and highways were shut down, flights were cancelled at the local airport, and even public transportation was at a standstill. The Jacksonville Electric Authority had to step in and ask residents to turn off their festive Christmas lights due to the hazardous weather conditions.

From Holiday Travel to Homebound

Living the Dream – Snow Days in Jacksonville

Despite the challenges, the snowstorm opened a window for residents to experience something most had never witnessed before. It was a rare occasion for folks to seize the day with activities like sledding, building snowmen, and even ice skating on the streets. This was no ordinary snow; it was one that stacked up to be the largest snowstorm on record for the Southeastern U.S. Coast.

A Meteorological Marvel

Snow and Historical Data

coastal Carolinas were measuring over a foot of snow! Meanwhile, back in our beloved Jacksonville, the rare accumulation ceased to be a local phenomenon. Even former Mayor Tommy Hazouri reminisced about the rarity of snow in the region, emphasizing how special the day was.

Reflections on the Past

no substantial snowfall has graced Jacksonville since that infamous storm. Yes, there have been some flurries from time to time, especially in the Panhandle, but nothing that could rival the magical winter landscape of 1989. The forecasts hint at rising temperatures in winter 2024-2025, which may reduce any chance of seeing snowflakes fluttering down in Jacksonville any time soon.

The Unique Weather of Florida

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HERE Resources

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Albany’s Thanksgiving Surprise: A Snowy Celebration
Syracuse Bracing for Major Snowstorm as Blizzard Conditions Expected This Weekend

Additional Resources

• First Coast News: Tim Deegan Recalls Snowstorm 35 Years Ago
• Jacksonville.com: Jacksonville’s Snow History
• News4Jax: 35 Years Since Jacksonville’s Last Major Snow
• Wikipedia: Snow in Florida
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Snow

Author: HERE Jacksonville