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Winter Storm Enzo Brings Snow, Ice to Florida Panhandle
OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) — Winter Storm Enzo brought rare snowfall and icy conditions to Florida’s Panhandle on Tuesday, causing road closures and hazardous driving conditions. Interstate 10 in Okaloosa County was covered in snow, marking an unusual weather event for the region.
The Okaloosa County Public Information Office confirmed the closure of Highway 2, Peaden Bridge, and Sherman Kennedy Bridge in northern Okaloosa County due to icy conditions. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is monitoring road conditions, while the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) urged drivers to approach the area with caution.
“We are seeing snow and ice on the roadway, and drivers should exercise extreme caution,” an FHP spokesperson said. No road closures have been reported in neighboring Walton County as of Tuesday afternoon.
Local residents expressed surprise at the snowfall, which is uncommon in the typically mild climate of the Florida Panhandle. “I’ve lived here my whole life, and I’ve never seen snow like this,” said Shalimar resident Maria Gonzalez. “It’s beautiful but definitely unexpected.”
FDOT officials are working to clear roads and ensure safety as temperatures are expected to drop further overnight. The agency advised drivers to avoid unnecessary travel and check for updates on road conditions before heading out.
For real-time updates on road closures and weather conditions, residents can visit the FDOT website or follow local news outlets. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.