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Okaloosa snow chances rise as winter storm approaches, confidence builds

Weather officials now forecast a 70-90% chance of frozen precipitation Tuesday, with northern Okaloosa County potentially seeing 2-4 inches of snow, according to emergency management updates.
NWS

Okaloosa Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox said Sunday that confidence has significantly increased, with a 70-90% chance of frozen precipitation hitting the area Tuesday.

  • Areas north of Interstate 10 could see 2-4 inches of snow, while areas south of I-10 are predicted to receive about half an inch.

The winter weather could begin Tuesday morning near the Mississippi-Alabama line, reaching Okaloosa by mid-day or early afternoon. Winds are expected to gust 20-25 mph as snow falls.

  • Coastal areas may experience a mix of sleet and freezing rain instead of snow, Maddox explained. He noted that sleet forms when snow partially melts into ice pellets before hitting the ground, while freezing rain remains liquid until freezing on contact with cold surfaces.

Road conditions will likely be hazardous due to ice accumulation. Maddox specifically warned against using two-wheeled vehicles and advised finding alternative transportation. The Department of Transportation will apply chloride salts and ethylene glycol on state roads, while county public works crews stand ready to spread sand on local roads if necessary.

Officials have issued an Extreme Cold Warning, replacing previous Hard Freeze Warnings. Cold Weather Advisories and a Winter Storm Watch are also in effect. Residents should protect exposed pipes, drip faucets, and safeguard outside plants, trees, and animals. Maddox emphasized using portable and space heaters with caution.

Discussions about potential school and county office closures are ongoing, with announcements expected Sunday or Monday.

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Community Comments

“I support Elgin AF for their stewardship of this beautiful landscape the Base occupies! However: The warning signs are the ugliest thing ever! Perhaps blue background with white text saying...”
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“Might have tried a few no parking no access signs first. What an eyesore a fence will be.”
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“The trashing isn't from the Eglin AFB property, it is from the vehicle traffic on 98. I have volunteered for clean up along this roadway and can say that all...”
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“Prefect joe.. The former Democratic Speaker of the House, Pelosi, once lectured Republicans, and I quote: "We're all God's children; there's a spark of divinity in every person on Earth,...”
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“Tourists and locals throwing trash ️”
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“Tara m!! The only way to keep it trash free is to close 98! It's tourists and locals throwing the trash out of the window”
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“While I agree that our Island should have better upkeep, I would task the Tourist Development Council, with this. Eglin doesn’t advertise for tourists that I know of. Eglin does...”
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“Getting on and off the island will be as bad or worse.”
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“All I ask is that if Eglin is going to restrict access (after all these years) and are advertising that the property is Eglin AFB property that they take measures...”
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“Thank you for this article. For once, thought is being given to the Terns. Seems like all I hear is ‘boost tourism’. Our native flora and fauna deserve respect. Again,...”
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