JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A winter storm will bring harsh temperatures to Jacksonville, and the dangerous cold weather outbreak with “feels like” temperatures in the 20s is expected to last through Thursday with a chance for freezing rain on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The city of Jacksonville Emergency Preparedness Division is closely monitoring weather conditions and will provide updates as needed.
The city is activating its Warming Center Contingency Plan. The plan states that when temperatures reach 27 degrees or colder the City of Jacksonville Warming Center will be open to residents who do not have access to adequate heat.
Warming centers
The Legends Center on Soutel Drive is serving as an overnight shelter and will remain open until 9 a.m.
The center will reopen at 9 p.m. Monday until 9 a.m. Tuesday.
For those concerned about transportation, the JTA bus system is offering free rides to any warming center.
All COJ Libraries and COJ Community Centers will reopen starting Tuesday during regular business hours and serve as Warming Centers across Duval County.
The warming centers will be staffed and have water available onsite.
Residents going to a Warming Center should bring their own bedding, snacks, medications, entertainment, and hygiene items.
Additional shelter options
Several other shelters across Jacksonville are providing cold weather services, particularly for those experiencing homelessness:
- City Rescue Mission (234 W. State St.) opens at 6:30 p.m. and remains available until temperatures reach at least 40°.
- Mission House (800 Shetter Ave., Jacksonville Beach) offers support for those in need.
- Community Presbyterian (150 Sherry Dr., Atlantic Beach) is another option for shelter.
- Sulzbacher Center has locations for men at 611 East Adams St. and for women and children at 5455 Springfield Blvd., open for overflow on nights below 40°.
- Trinity Rescue Mission (622 W. Union St.) welcomes men at 4 p.m. and women and children at 1:30 p.m.
Safety on the roads
For those who must travel, the city of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office urge drivers to exercise caution due to potential black ice on the roads.
Icy roads are possible Monday morning, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Black ice is a bit different from snow because you can’t really see it and it doesn’t give your tires anything to grip.
Drivers are also reminded to look out for potential roadway hazards.
Click here for advice from the U.S. Forest Service about how to drive on black ice.
According to the NWS, Duval County has received 3"-5" of rain over the last 24 hours. With an Arctic front arriving overnight, patchy black ice may develop where rain hasn’t evaporated and freezing conditions exist.
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) January 20, 2025
🕓 Timeframe: Most likely between 4:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. ⚠️… pic.twitter.com/UItsF3Hx5L
Heating safety
If you are heating your home, remember to monitor your electric blankets as well as your space heaters, fireplaces, and appliances.
Use Caution with Space Heaters: Ensure space heaters are at least three feet away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, furniture, or bedding. Plug heaters directly into an outlet—never use an extension cord or power strip — and turn them off when leaving a room or going to sleep. Never leave space heaters unattended.
Practice Fireplace Safety: Have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually. Avoid overloading fireplaces with wood and always use a screen or glass doors to prevent sparks from escaping. Never leave a fire unattended, and ensure it is fully extinguished before going to bed.
Use Appliances for Their Intended Purpose: Never use an oven or other appliance not designed as a heating device to warm your home. This poses significant fire and carbon monoxide risks.
Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Ensure working smoke alarms are installed on every floor and outside each bedroom in your home. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed.
Create a Fire Escape Plan: Ensure all household members know two ways to exit each room and establish a designated meeting place outside in case of a fire.
Be Aware of Carbon Monoxide Dangers: Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Never use outdoor appliances like grills or generators indoors, as they can release dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
How you can help
Community members looking to assist can donate blankets to the Legends Center.
The supervisor at the Legends Center emphasized that giving a blanket to someone in need would be a major help not only at the shelters but also out on the street.
A blanket could mean the world to someone outdoors during these harsh temperatures.
Visit JaxReady.com/StayWarmJax for fire prevention and cold weather safety tips, Warming Center locations, what items to bring to a Warming Center, and more.
