By Jeff Devine, Editor-in-Chief, Dale County Chronicle.
DALE COUNTY — Snowfall is a rarity in Dale County, but when it does occur, it often becomes part of local lore. Significant snowfall over the last two years marks a notable departure from historical norms. When the area experiences significant snowfall, it certainly captures our attention. Here’s a look back at the most significant snowfall events for Dale County.
From the late 19th century to the present day, only a handful of winter storms have left a lasting mark on the Wiregrass region’s weather history.
One of the earliest and most notable snow events occurred on February 12, 1899, when Dale County recorded its all-time snowfall record of 4 inches in 24 hours. For more than a century, that event stood as the benchmark for winter weather in the county, especially remarkable given the area’s typically mild climate.
Another unforgettable chapter came during the March 12–13, 1993 storm, widely known locally as the “Blizzard of ’93.” This massive system impacted much of the eastern United States and brought rare, heavy snow to Alabama. Southeast Alabama communities experienced significant accumulations, including 9 inches reported in nearby Elba and between 4-6 inches in portions of Dale County. The storm also produced widespread power outages and major travel disruptions, especially since Southeast Alabama is not accustomed to snow, unlike those who live with it as a regular occurrence in other regions of the United States
The storm of 1993 was a memorable event in my life. I was five, and I recall the wonder and joy of playing in the snow for the first time. I was at my grandmother’s house, and the time spent playing in the snow and building tiny snowmen will forever be one of my most cherished memories. It would be nearly another two decades, in 2011, before the area would see any significant snowfall that would stick, though it melted away relatively quickly, and the levels were not anywhere near the amount the area saw in 1993.
More recently, on January 21, 2025, a once-in-a-generation winter storm surprised us all. During that historic event, Dale County recorded 8 inches of snow, far surpassing previous local benchmarks and rivaling totals seen in nearby Wiregrass communities. The storm brought schools, businesses, and roadways to a standstill and quickly became one of the most talked-about weather events in modern local history.
That trend of unusual winter weather continued this season. Yesterday, on January 18, 2026, Dale County received between 1 and 2 inches of snow during another rare winter event. While lighter than the historic 2025 storm, the accumulation was still significant for the region and marked back-to-back winters with measurable snowfall, something that has never been recorded in our weather history.
Snowfall remains uncommon in the Wiregrass, with most winters passing without any snow at all. However, the consecutive snow events have renewed interest in the region’s winter weather history and underscored just how unusual these moments are for Dale County and the surrounding area.
From the longstanding record set in 1899 to the historic, once-in-a-generation storm of 2025 and the more recent snowfall on January 18, 2026, snow has always been a rare but memorable occurrence for our home region, sparking curiosity and wonder for people of all ages.
If you have special memories from when it snowed in this area, please share those memories with us on our facebook post.
