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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

“Praying firvofficer and his family”
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“Wife and I were thinking of making an offer for the property. What a beautiful home site it would make”
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“No, buying the ship was a great idea and will be a wonderful place to snorkeling, and scuba diving.”
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“SPC beach bars have been successful for Decades. We have a large loyal and captive group! The Sand Flea family of restauranteurs have ways succeeded and will drawer other beach...”
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“I agree with the idea of making it an event place. Whether for weddings or parties or businesses that want to hold lectures or meetings.Also a place for groups like...”
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“I second that thought, please quit trying to make Fort Walton another Destin. And anything to do with that that 10 million dollar ship they bought to sink is ridiculous!”
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“I like the idea of it being an event rental space, it would be beautiful for weddings and receptions, but another "charter boat hub", please quit trying to make Fort...”
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“Why not fix the dog parks adjacent to red lobster?”
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“They spend 3.75 MILLION dollars of tax payer money and don't know what they are going to do with the property? If your child came in your home and said...”
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“If Walton County was not so greedy and decided to “TAKE” what they wanted instead of “buying” it like other areas (Destin/Okaloosa County)have, this might have never been a problem....”
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