Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency Monday as Florida braces for a rare winter storm that threatens to bring snow, ice and freezing temperatures to the northern part of the state.
- The western Florida Panhandle is under Winter Storm Warnings, with forecasts predicting snowfall totals of one to three inches. Some locations could see up to four inches during periods of heavy snowfall.
Ice accumulations from freezing rain — considered the most dangerous winter weather hazard — are expected to reach between one-tenth to one-quarter inch from the eastern Panhandle through the Suwannee River Valley. Interior North Florida locations could see even higher ice accumulations.
The winter weather system, formed by an area of low pressure interacting with Arctic air, is expected to create hazardous driving conditions starting Tuesday afternoon and continuing into Wednesday. Officials warn that ice accumulation could significantly impact roadways, bridges, trees and power lines.
The executive order activates the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard as needed. It also authorizes emergency management officials to coordinate response efforts and waive certain regulations to expedite emergency actions.
- The Department of Transportation may suspend toll collections and close roads as necessary for safe evacuation. The order also allows pharmacists to issue 30-day emergency prescription refills for maintenance medications to residents in affected areas.
Dangerously cold wind chills and prolonged freezing temperatures are forecast to affect North and North-Central Florida over the next several days.
The state of emergency will remain in effect for 60 days unless extended or terminated earlier.
