As winter has now reached its peak, Miami braces for the arrival of thousands of snowbirds, seasonal visitors usually from the north seeking refuge from the colder climates up north. The influx of the “Snowbirds” starts in November but as temperatures continue to drop, January tends to be at the peak of the “Snowbirds.” While these temporary residents contribute to the local economy like tourism & real estate for Florida, their arrival brings notable challenges for residents like us. 

Furthermore, local traffic patterns have shifted dramatically, particularly along I-95, where drivers can usually find themselves waiting for a car to move an inch. 

The increased amount of vehicles owned by these “Snowbirds” adds to the already congested highways, leading to longer commute times and greater frustration for Miami’s residents.Samara Kisten, a student at Mast Academy, says,” I stay afterschool to rehearse for the spring musical till 5:30 on Wednesday and it usually take 45-60 minutes to get home with all of the traffic.” 

Shoppers are also feeling the impact of the snowbird phenomenon. 

Local shops, usually grocery stores and popular retailers, have become crowded hotspots, with aisles often bustling with people. Students like Ananya Motiani, report long waits at checkout lines and difficulty finding parking. She said,” Whenever I go to Publix with my mom, it always takes so long to check out, so my mom makes me get in line a little before she is done shopping.” This happens as seasonal shoppers stock up on essentials like food and water.