A historic snowstorm swept through the Gulf Coast this week, leaving widespread damage in its wake and breaking snowfall records across the region. The storm, which brought rare snow to Florida’s Panhandle, has profoundly impacted businesses and homeowners in Tallahassee.
Tallahassee Flea Market Damaged
In Northeast Tallahassee, the snowstorm caused significant damage to the local flea market. Property manager Jami Robinson described the scene as “mind-blowing,” with about 15 of the market’s 150 booths bent or destroyed under the weight of the snow.
Many vendors rely on the flea market as their primary source of income. Robinson assured them that support was available, announcing that offices and phone lines would open at 10 a.m. to address questions. For safety reasons, she urged vendors and the public to stay away from the damaged booths.
Residential Damage Across the Region
The storm’s impact extended to residential areas, where thin metal structures like pool enclosures buckled under the weight of the snow. David West, a Tallahassee resident, shared that his 40-by-70-foot pool enclosure collapsed overnight, leading to his first-ever home insurance claim.
Neighbor Bill Schack experienced similar damage and acted quickly to file a claim after advice from an insurance agent friend.
“She told me, ‘Get your claim in now,’ because people were already calling for pool awnings and enclosures,” Schack said.
A Storm for the Record Books
This rare snowstorm shattered records along the Gulf Coast, with some areas seeing more snowfall than traditional winter destinations like Chicago and Anchorage, Alaska. Florida’s Panhandle broke its all-time snow record with 9.8 inches recorded in Milton. Other areas of the Gulf Coast, including Lafayette, Louisiana, and Mobile, Alabama, set new snowfall records, while New Orleans experienced its heaviest snowfall since 1948.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime event for a lot of these folks down there,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tom Kines.
Widespread Impact
The storm disrupted travel, supply chains, and businesses across the South, with damages and economic losses estimated at $14-$17 billion. At least 11 fatalities have been reported across the region, highlighting the storm’s severity.
In Tallahassee, the storm’s effects serve as a sobering reminder of the unexpected challenges extreme weather can bring to areas unaccustomed to winter storms. As the city works to recover, vendors, homeowners, and businesses are encouraged to prioritize safety and seek assistance as needed.