Icy conditions have taken hold in North Florida as a significant winter weather system impacts the region. With snow accumulation and freezing temperatures, residents are advised to exercise caution, particularly on the roads. Governor DeSantis declared a state of emergency earlier this week to mobilize resources.
In Milton, Florida, snowfall reached 8-9 inches, breaking the previous state record set in 1954. As of 3 p.m., approximately 18,000 power outages were reported with efforts underway to restore service.
Extreme Cold Warnings remain active for several counties including Bay and Escambia. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through FloridaDisaster.org/Cold and take necessary precautions against cold hazards.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is actively engaged in managing road conditions with over 250 team members involved in storm activities. Priority routes such as I-10 and I-75 are being treated for ice. FDOT has also pre-treated over 600 bridges across the Panhandle.
Several airports including Pensacola International Airport have limited operations due to weather conditions. Travelers should check directly with airlines for updates on flight cancellations.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has activated its State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate response efforts statewide. The Florida Highway Patrol is assisting with road closures and monitoring travel routes to support power restoration.
Residents can find business resource updates at www.FloridaDisaster.biz while school closure information is available at FLDOE.org/storminfo.