Florida officials continue to address the aftermath of the unprecedented winter storm that swept through the Gulf region, leaving hazardous conditions and breaking snowfall records across the state. Residents in North Florida are facing treacherous travel conditions as freezing temperatures persist, creating widespread disruptions.
Governor Ron DeSantis issued an Emergency Order (EO 25-13) on Monday, January 20, declaring a state of emergency and mobilizing state resources to assist affected communities.
The winter storm shattered state records, with Milton, Florida, recording an astonishing 8-9 inches, possibly up to 10 inches, of snowfall, more than doubling the previous record set in 1954.
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As of this afternoon, approximately 18,000 power outages have been reported, though crews have restored over 20,000 accounts since the storm began.
Extreme Cold Warnings remain in effect for the Florida Panhandle, with wind chills in the teens expected through Thursday morning. Freeze Warnings and Cold Weather Advisories have also been issued across the state, affecting counties including:
- Extreme Cold Warning: Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington.
- Cold Weather Advisory: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison, Nassau, Suwannee, Taylor, and Union.
- Freeze Warning: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Nassau, Suwannee, and Union.
Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution and monitor FloridaDisaster.org/Cold for safety tips and updates.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has deployed over 250 personnel and heavy equipment, including:
- 11 snowplows
- 120 trucks/spray rigs for de-icing
- 26 spreaders
- 45 generators for power restoration
Key highways and interstates remain closed, including I-10 from Mile Marker 5 in Escambia County to Mile Marker 70 in Okaloosa County. Major bridge closures include the Pensacola Bay Bridge, as crews continue plowing and de-icing operations.
Several airports across the Panhandle have suspended operations:
- Pensacola International Airport is expected to reopen by 12:00 p.m. CST Thursday.
- Tallahassee International Airport will resume emergency operations by 1:00 p.m. EST Thursday.
- Jacksonville International Airport remains closed until further notice.
Transit services are experiencing delays, and travelers are advised to check with their local transit providers for updates.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has activated its Emergency Operations Center to Level 2, coordinating with all 67 counties to address critical needs. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is working closely with FDOT to ensure roadway safety and assist with snow removal efforts.
State agencies have also mobilized resources, including:
- The Florida Forest Service providing heavy equipment to clear roads.
- The Florida Department of Agriculture offering support to impacted agricultural producers.
- Cold weather shelters opening in affected counties.
FloridaCommerce has implemented disaster flexibilities for Community Action Agencies, providing financial assistance to affected residents. Businesses are encouraged to visit FloridaDisaster.biz for the latest closures and assistance programs.
Officials are closely monitoring weather conditions, with another round of extreme cold expected before temperatures gradually rise later in the week. Authorities are urging residents to stay off the roads if possible and to continue monitoring updates from local officials.
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