Warnings Issued as Florida Freeze Approaches

Florida a wintry wonderland? Well not quite: while this AI illustration of Disney World is clearly an exaggeration of this weekend's cold snap, it will be extremely cold for much of Florida with temperatures cold enough to damage or kill sensitive vegetation, harm vulnerable infrastructure, and even hurt people exposed to the elements without proper clothing. Image: Grok — Florida a wintry wonderland? Well not quite: while this AI illustration of Disney World’s World Main Street covered in deep snow is clearly an exaggeration of this weekend’s forecast cold snap, it will be extremely cold for much of Florida with temperatures cold enough to damage or kill sensitive vegetation, harm vulnerable infrastructure, and even hurt people exposed to the elements without proper clothing. Image: Grok

Much of Florida will encounter temperatures at or below freezing, prompting the National Weather Service to issue warnings for the Sunshine State. Beyond the three counties closest to Pensacola in the western part of Florida, every county is under a cold weather related advisory from the National Weather Service, warning people to prepare for the frigid blast.

According to the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center, conditions remain very cold and below average from the Mississippi Valley to the East Coast today following a cold frontal passage. Freezing temperatures are expected as far south as northern to central Florida Friday morning and could lead to damage to crops and other sensitive vegetation. As another reinforcing blast of cold air arrives, there’s even a chance snow flakes will fly over portions of northern Florida this weekend too.

Most of Florida is under a Freeze Warning. The National Weather Service is urging people to take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

“To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing,” the National Weather Service added.

The National Weather Service has also issued a Cold Weather Advisory for the southernmost parts of the state away just inland from ocean and gulf waters. “Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves,” the National Weather Service recommends.

For the Freeze Warning, sub-freezing temperatures as low as 26 are expected. For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 25 are expected.

The National Weather Service is offering other advise to those about to encounter frigid temperatures in Florida, writing into their warning text, “Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food, and unfrozen water. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.”

Temperatures are forecast to moderate in Florida after the weekend.