Studer Community Institute

Year in Review: Extreme Weather

December 31, 2014
/ Ron Stallcup
/ community-dashboard

Northwest Florida’s weather in 2014 brought a historic freeze and biblical-like flooding, along with a calm hurricane season and long stretches of really nice weather. January freeze: The first “Polar Vortex” made it to the Panhandle on Jan. 24-25. Sleet and light snow were reported in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. Four days later a second polar punch hit the area with record low temperatures and icy conditions rarely seen in the area. On Jan. 28 and 29, Pensacola received 1.8 inches of snow and more than 21,000 Gulf Power customers lost power. The Florida Highway Patrol on Jan. 29 closed nearly 200 miles of Interstate 10 from the Florida-Alabama state line to Gadsden County, directing traffic to U.S. 90. Several bridges were closed and residents were advised against non-essential travel. Many state and local government offices were closed around mid-day on Jan. 28. Pensacola International Airport also closed for a time. In Santa Rosa County, officials cautioned that ice-laden tree limbs were hanging low enough to hit vehicles. April 29-30 flooding: According to the National Weather Service in Mobile, the two-day estimated total for Pensacola of 20.47" lies between a 1-in-100 to 1-in-200 year event. Rushing water wreaked havoc and destruction throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.. Several sections of Scenic Highway were washed out, and two vehicles plummeted more than 40 feet off a cliff. Two people lost their lives as a result of the storm, both drowning in their submerged vehicles on U.S. 29. Heavy rains washed out Piedmont Street in the Cordova Park neighborhood. The bad weather did more than damage streets and homes. A flood at the Escambia County Jail caused a natural gas explosion that killed two inmates and paralyzed a corrections officer. Of some 600 people incarcerated at the time, 155 inmates sustained injuries and were treated at nearby hospitals Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency to seek assistance from the federal government and activated the Florida National Guard. Hurricane Season: The 10-year anniversary of Hurricane Ivan begin and ended with a calm hurricane season.

Back to Blogs

Year in Review: Extreme Weather

Recent Posts