The Magical Day of Snow in Tampa: Remembering January 19, 1977
Florida is known for its sunny, warm climate, but on January 19, 1977, something extraordinary happened that left Tampa residents in awe—a rare snowfall blanketed the city, turning it into a winter wonderland. This event was so unexpected that many locals, especially those who had never seen snow before, still reminisce about that magical day.
Jeannette Tamborello, one of the many Tampa residents who remembers that day vividly, shares her experience. She recalls hearing a mention of snow in the forecast by FOX 13 Meteorologist Roy Leep. At first, it seemed like a casual comment, but Jeannette had a strong feeling it would happen. Setting an alarm at 1 a.m., she woke up multiple times during the night, each time peeking out the window, hoping to see snow. Around 5 a.m., her patience paid off—snowflakes were falling! Excited, she woke her husband and their 6-year-old daughter, who was still in her nightgown. They bundled her up in socks, gloves, and a coat and ventured outside into the fresh snow. The trio spent hours building snowmen, taking photos, and reveling in the rare sight, before they had to return to their daily routines.
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For others like Thomas Kaspar, who lived in Carrollwood, the experience was unforgettable. He estimated about 5 to 6 inches of snow blanketed the ground that day, and it lasted well into the afternoon. “It was unlike anything anyone had ever seen before,” Thomas recalls, noting how surreal it felt to see snow swirling around as the sun was about to rise.
The snowstorm of 1977 didn’t just affect Tampa—it stretched as far south as Miami Beach and even hit Homestead. The snowstorm was the result of an Arctic cold front that moved rapidly down the state. In total, Tampa recorded 0.20 inches of snow, while nearby Plant City saw up to 2 inches. This phenomenon was a once-in-a-lifetime event for many Floridians, and for those like Mario Nuñez, it was a magical experience. At 18 years old and having never seen snow, Mario remembers his mother waking him up early that morning to tell him it was snowing. Overcome with excitement, he ran to his grandmother’s house, where he shouted, "Abuela! It’s snowing!" as he knocked on her door. The joy he felt that morning was contagious as he and his friends later played football in the snow, trying to make the most of the rare moment.
But the excitement wasn’t without challenges. The snow caused many traffic accidents, as the unfamiliar ice on the roadways caught many drivers off guard. Mario, along with his friends, often heard the screeching of tires followed by crashes, as drivers struggled to navigate the icy conditions. Even though snowball fights and building snowmen brought joy to the streets, the reality of icy roads posed a danger throughout the day.
The snowstorm of 1977 remains a cherished memory for many Tampa residents, despite the cold temperatures it brought. Though snow and ice are not typically expected in Florida, some locals still hold out hope for another winter wonderland. The event left an indelible mark on the community, reminding Floridians that sometimes, even in a place known for its sunshine, the unexpected can happen.
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