Governor Ron DeSantis, along with Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), addressed state preparedness measures at the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee, Florida. The focus was on efforts ahead of a significant winter storm expected to impact North Florida.
Governor DeSantis issued an emergency order on January 20, updating EO 25-13 to declare a state of emergency. This allows officials to allocate critical resources to communities potentially affected by the storm. The winter weather is forecasted to bring snow, sleet, and freezing rain along the I-10 corridor, with expected snowfall totals ranging from 2-4 inches in some areas and possibly exceeding 4-6 inches in others. The storm poses hazardous driving conditions and dangerously cold wind chills.
Watches and warnings have been issued for several counties. These include Winter Storm Warnings for counties such as Alachua, Baker, and Bay; Winter Storm Advisories for Levy and Marion; Extreme Cold Warnings for Bay and Calhoun; and Freeze Warnings for Alachua and Baker.
Residents are urged to prepare for extreme cold hazards. Information on risks and preparation can be found at FloridaDisaster.org/Cold. County-level preparations include opening cold weather shelters. Resources can be accessed via FloridaDisaster.org/Counties.
State agencies are coordinating efforts to ensure readiness. FDEM activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 2 on January 21 and is leading coordination with all 67 counties. The Florida State Guard is ready with resources like Blackhawk crews and heavy-equipment teams for road clearing.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has officers on standby to assist with civilian or wildlife support if needed. They remind residents about proper conduct around manatees seeking warm waters or cold-stunned sea turtles.
The Department of Education is monitoring school districts that may be impacted by the storm, providing updates on closures through FLDOE.org/storminfo.
Health services are also prepared. The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) has communicated critical resources within impacted counties while tracking power outages using the Everbridge Notification System. Health care providers have been asked to report census data, available beds, evacuation status, and generator needs.
Infrastructure measures include ongoing assessments by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), which is focusing on major routes like I-10 & I-75 for pre-treatment against ice accumulation. Equipment such as snowplows and de-icing solutions are deployed across North Florida roads.
The FDOT works closely with neighboring states Alabama and Georgia's transportation departments to coordinate logistics across regional networks while ensuring real-time updates via FL511.com.
Airports face cancellations; travelers should check directly with airlines or transit providers regarding service interruptions.
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has activated additional troopers within the Panhandle area alongside aviation assets staged for rapid response.
For environmental concerns, DEP coordinates preparations with agencies supporting drinking water facilities while providing park closure updates online at FloridaStateParks.org/Get-Involved/Winter-Storm-Updates.
Business sectors are encouraged by FloridaCommerce to review their emergency plans ahead of potential disruptions due to adverse weather conditions. Updates on business resources are available at floridajobs.org/floridadisaster.biz.
Agricultural partners receive support from FDACS in resource allocation as equipment like bulldozers stand ready for deployment if necessary. Meanwhile, financial institutions have access to guidance provided by OFR through online platforms assisting consumers during emergencies.
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