All Jacksonville Libraries Closed Due to Winter Storm

The Polar Vortex is sweeping through the South and even Florida is feeling the chill! Due to the winter storm conditions, in accordance with Mayor Donna Deegan and the City of Jacksonville, all Jacksonville Area Library locations will be closed Wednesday, January 22.

For all the latest updates from the City of Jacksonville on the situation, please install the JaxReady mobile app from the App Store or through Google Play, or click here for the City’s Emergency Preparedness web page.

Stay Home and Read!

While the library is closed, we kindly ask that you refrain from returning materials to the book drops. Jacksonville Public Library does not charge overdue fines, so there’s no need to worry about due dates during the storm.

Please note that any items left in book drops or outside the library during the closure that become damaged will incur fees in accordance with library policy.

It’s a good day to stay home, keep warm, and read!

What is the Polar Vortex?

It’s been all over the news lately, but you may be wondering what actually is a Polar Vortex?

The Polar Vortex is a large, swirling mass of cold, low-pressure air that encircles the Earth’s poles, primarily in the stratosphere, which lies about 10 to 30 miles above the surface. It exists throughout the year but becomes more prominent and influential during the winter months when the temperature difference between the equator and the poles is greatest.

Normally, the Polar Vortex is kept in place by a strong jet stream that confines the frigid air to the Arctic or Antarctic regions. However, under certain conditions, the vortex can weaken or destabilize, causing sections of cold air to break off and drift southward.

This disruption can lead to dramatic temperature drops and severe winter weather in areas such as North America, Europe, and Asia. Events like these are often associated with sudden and extreme cold outbreaks.

Scientists are also exploring how climate change may influence the behavior of the Polar Vortex, with some evidence suggesting that warming in the Arctic could destabilize the jet stream, making these cold air incursions more frequent. (yikes!)

Understanding the Polar Vortex is crucial for predicting and preparing for extreme weather events during the winter months.

Snow in Florida?

Many parts of Florida are seeing snow this morning! We will most likely just stick to rain out at the beaches, but there is a possibility of inland areas getting flurries.

Early Records of Snow in Florida

The earliest recorded snowfall in Florida dates back to 1774 when snow reportedly fell in the northern part of the state. Historical accounts suggest that the snow was light, but its occurrence was significant enough to be noted in records. Snowfall in Florida remained an unusual but noteworthy phenomenon throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Great Blizzard of 1899

One of the most significant snow events in Florida’s history occurred during the Great Blizzard of 1899, also known as the “Great Arctic Outbreak.” This historic cold wave brought snow and freezing temperatures as far south as Tampa Bay and even the northern edge of the Everglades. Tallahassee recorded its all-time low temperature of -2°F (-19°C) during this event, and snow accumulated in areas where it had never been seen before.

The Most Recent Snowfall in Jacksonville

The 1989 snowstorm in Jacksonville remains one of the city’s most memorable winter weather events. Occurring just before Christmas, the storm brought up to 2 inches of snow as an Arctic cold front collided with Gulf moisture, creating rare conditions for measurable snowfall in northeastern Florida.

Roads and bridges became hazardous due to ice, causing disruptions in a city unprepared for winter weather, while schools and businesses closed as residents marveled at the unusual sight.

The snowfall, part of a larger historic cold wave affecting the eastern United States, marked one of the few white Christmases in Florida’s history, with temperatures dropping to 24°F (-4°C).

For many residents, the storm was a mix of awe and inconvenience, leaving behind cherished memories of snow-covered palm trees and a rare glimpse of winter in the Sunshine State.

Let us know in the comments if you get to see snow today!