JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Emergency management officials in counties in the western part of Northeast Florida were preparing Monday for the effects of a powerful winter storm expected to hit in the coming days.
“I am not prepared for this cold,” Kaylee Hamrick, a Lake Butler resident said. “It’s freezing.”
Even some residents in Bradford County who grew up in the north said this weather is hitting a little bit different.
“We are used to the cold,” Tami Bishop, originally from Philadelphia said, “But it’s a different type of cold down here.”
MORE: A wintry mix is on the way. Are you ready? | Jacksonville preps for winter storm: Warming centers, dangerous roads, heating safety & more | How Southeast Georgia is preparing for dangerous winter storm: County-by-county
Baker County announced on Facebook its schools will be open on Tuesday.
As of now, schools will remain open this week. Any decisions about possible school closures for Wednesday will be made before the end of the school day tomorrow. Please continue to follow our social media and check your school email for updates.
Bradford County School District
In Bradford County, officials said a big concern is bridges on state roads due to the possibility of ice. Officials said they may use salt and sand to address the issue.
Baker County officials said they have coordinated with FDOT and the county roads department for the preparation necessary should they see the roads icing. Baker County said there is a call with statewide officials at 11:15 a.m. and more might be known after that happens.
One woman who lives in Macclenny said she has been driving for decades but is nervous because isn’t used to ice.
Columbia County officials said they have been working with schools and road crews to make sure they are prepared for impacts on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service, freezing rain is likely in the northern parts of Baker and Columbia counties as well as in Southeast Georiga.
We have quite the mix of ❄️winter weather this week. Check out these graphics and stay up to date with the current forecast at https://t.co/QzVsjcRFXE . Stay safe out there. pic.twitter.com/Od6eWeIES0
— NWS Jacksonville (@NWSJacksonville) January 20, 2025
The rare winter storm is set to produce heavy snow and disruptive ice accumulations from Texas on east across the Gulf Coast states this week.
A rare winter storm set to produce heavy snow & disruptive ice accumulations will soon track from Texas on east across the Gulf Coast states this week. Here are the latest Key Messages. pic.twitter.com/CPmn0unFef
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) January 20, 2025