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Gov. DeSantis issues state of emergency ahead of winter storm, warns Floridians of hazardous driving conditions

During a press on conference, Gov. DeSantis called the Florida legislature into special session to add new duties. (Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency Monday evening ahead of a winter storm that is forecast to impact North Florida beginning Tuesday evening.

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According to the executive order, hazardous winter weather will be likely across North Florida including dangerously cold temperatures, snow, sleet and freezing rain. Snowfall totals of one to three inches are forecast for the Florida Panhandle.

DeSantis wrote via X that the Florida Division of Emergency Management is monitoring this system closely and the Department of Transportation is on standby with snow plows and other equipment ready to respond to road and bridge safety needs.

The governor also warned Floridians of hazardous driving conditions, especially over bridges, overpasses and elevated surfaces, which could lead to possible road and bridge closures.

“Be careful in icy conditions, especially on the roadways,” DeSantis wrote.

In Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, a Freeze Warning is expected west of I-95 on Tuesday morning. Freezing temperatures will linger through around 9 a.m. Then, a Freeze Warning and Winter Storm Warning will be in effect Tuesday evening.

The greatest threat locally will be ice forming Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, creating hazardous travel conditions from western Jacksonville and points north and west.


About the Author
Marcela Camargo headshot

Marcela joined News4JAX in 2023. She grew up in Mexico and eventually moved to California to pursue her dream of becoming a journalist. Now, she is a proud San Diego State University alumna who has many years of experience in TV and digital journalism.

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