Winter weather has arrived in Florida, bringing snow, sleet, and freezing rain to areas unaccustomed to such conditions. In response, Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for North Florida, warning residents to take necessary precautions and avoid non-essential travel.
“We used to think Blizzard Beach was just a theme park in Orlando, but now we may actually see snow on our beaches throughout Northwest Florida and even into Tallahassee and beyond,” DeSantis remarked during a press briefing.
READ: Florida Gov. DeSantis Declares State Of Emergency: State Braces For Rare Winter Storm
Severe Weather Conditions Expected
The National Weather Service predicts snowfall totals of 2 to 4 inches across North Florida, with localized accumulations potentially reaching up to 6 inches. Wind chill values are expected to plummet to as low as five degrees, posing significant risks to transportation and infrastructure.
Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie reported that emergency response teams are actively working to mitigate the storm’s impact. Over 250 Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) personnel and nearly 200 pieces of heavy equipment, including 11 snow plows and 120 trucks equipped with spray rigs for de-icing, are on standby to ensure road safety.
State officials have issued winter storm warnings across the western Florida Panhandle, extending advisories eastward along the I-10 corridor into Duval County. All non-essential state workers in affected areas have been dismissed early, and state offices will remain closed on Wednesday, January 22nd. Several school districts across the Panhandle and Big Bend region have also announced closures, and cold weather shelters are opening in various counties.
READ: Historic Winter Storm Threatens Travel Chaos, Power Outages From Florida To Texas
Governor DeSantis urged residents to follow safety guidelines and take the following precautions:
- People: Dress in layers and stay indoors if possible.
- Pets: Ensure they have proper shelter and warmth.
- Pipes: Insulate and allow faucets to drip to prevent freezing.
- Plants: Cover or bring plants indoors.
- Practice Fire Safety: Use space heaters safely and avoid using fuel-burning devices indoors.
Authorities have advised motorists to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, as icy conditions pose serious hazards. The Florida Department of Transportation continues to monitor and treat key routes, including I-10 and I-75.
“We urge residents to stay home if possible,” DeSantis said. “Florida drivers aren’t used to these conditions, and they can be extremely hazardous.”
While widespread power outages are not expected on a hurricane scale, ice accumulation on power lines could cause localized disruptions. Utility companies across the state are prepared to respond swiftly to any outages that may occur.
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