Today, Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Executive Director Kevin Guthrie provided updates on the state's preparedness for an incoming winter storm. The briefing took place at the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee.
Governor DeSantis issued an Emergency Order updating EO 25-13, declaring a state of emergency to enable state officials to allocate critical resources to communities before any potential impacts from the storm. "A significant and impactful winter storm along the North Florida I-10 corridor will bring the threat of all modes of winter weather including snow, sleet and freezing rain," said DeSantis.
The expected snowfall ranges from 2-4 inches across the Florida Panhandle to the western Florida Big Bend, with localized areas possibly receiving more than 4-6 inches. The wintry conditions are predicted to cause hazardous driving conditions on roadways, bridges, overpasses, and elevated surfaces.
Floridians should also prepare for dangerously cold wind chills on Wednesday night into Thursday. "Temperatures feeling like the single digits to lower teens" are expected, according to state forecasts.
Several warnings have been issued:
- Winter Storm Warning: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson Lafayette Leon Liberty Madison Nassau Okaloosa western Putnam Santa Rosa Suwannee Taylor Union Wakulla Walton Washington counties.
- Winter Storm Advisory: Levy Marion eastern Putnam St Johns counties.
- Extreme Cold Warning: Bay Calhoun Escambia Franklin Gadsden Gulf Holmes Jackson inland Jefferson Leon Liberty Okaloosa Santa Rosa Wakulla Walton Washington counties.
- Freeze Warning: Alachua Baker Bradford Clay Columbia Duval Gilchrist Hamilton Levy Marion Nassau Putnam St Johns Suwannee Union counties.
Statewide preparations include activating the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 2. FDEM is coordinating efforts for rapid response and has initiated daily calls with all 67 counties to assess needs.
Florida's agencies are readying resources such as UH-60 Blackhawk crews for aerial assessments and supply delivery. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers are on standby for assistance. They remind residents about precautions regarding manatees and sea turtles during colder temperatures.
The Department of Education is closely monitoring school districts potentially affected by the storm. Health services agencies have activated systems for tracking power outages and providing necessary guidance related to prescription refills under EO 25-13.
Infrastructure efforts led by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) include monitoring roads in North Florida with pre-treatment activities already underway. FDOT is focusing on key routes like I-10 & I-75 while coordinating logistics with neighboring states' transportation departments.
Flight cancellations have begun; Destin-Ft Walton Beach Airport is closed. Service interruptions are occurring in transit systems across affected areas.
The Florida Highway Patrol has activated additional State Troopers in anticipation of adverse road conditions. Their aviation assets and road clearing equipment are staged for immediate deployment if required.
For ongoing updates or specific county resources related to this winter storm event visit [FloridaDisaster.org/Cold](http://www.floridadisaster.org/cold).