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Freeze Watch issued for Okaloosa, cold weather shelter to open

Northwest Florida counties are under a Freeze Watch starting Friday night, with potential damage to vegetation and plumbing. Local shelters are opening to protect vulnerable residents.

Jared Williams

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Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing in parts of Northwest Florida starting Friday night, prompting officials to issue weather alerts and open emergency shelters for those in need.

Okaloosa Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox announced that the National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a Freeze Watch for inland areas of Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Escambia counties. The watch will be in effect from midnight to 7 a.m. on November 30.

Officials warn that frost and freeze conditions could damage crops and sensitive vegetation, as well as potentially harm unprotected outdoor plumbing.

In response to the cold weather threat, the Crestview Area Shelter for the homeless will open its doors at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 29, and continue operations through Sunday, December 1. The shelter is located at 120 Duggan Ave in Crestview and can be reached at 850-398-5670.

While South Okaloosa County has not announced shelter openings at this time, officials will reassess the situation Friday morning to determine if additional shelters are needed.

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Freeze Watch issued for Okaloosa, cold weather shelter to open

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