Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency for Florida on Monday ahead of the rare winter storm as dangerously cold wind chills and prolonged freezing and sub-freezing temperatures are expected for North and North-Central Florida for the next several days.
Western Northeast Florida counties reported power outages and dangerous driving conditions from ice accumulation.
Recommended Videos
Emergency management crews are advising people to stay off the roads.
Freezing temperatures can cause black ice, which is difficult to see and dangerous for drivers.
Baker County
No snow was seen in Baker County but more than 1,000 residents were without power early Wednesday morning, particularly in areas west of the city of Macclenny.
Around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Baker County opened the Baker County Fairgrounds as a cold weather shelter. The shelter will remain open until around noon on Wednesday.
Officials added that those who do come to the shelter will need to bring necessities like food and medications, adding that two days' worth should suffice.
A limited number of cots are available and no food will be provided by the shelter.
Residents are encouraged to minimize or avoid driving during sleet, freezing rain, drizzle, or snow.
If travel is necessary, drivers should have an emergency supply kit in their car and remember that black ice looks like the pavement. If it’s near freezing, drive like you’re on ice because you might be.
Baker County officials said they have coordinated with FDOT and the county roads department for the preparation necessary should they see the roads icing.
All Baker County offices are closed Wednesday and will reopen for normal business hours on Thursday.
Schools
Baker County Schools are closed Wednesday and will reopen on Thursday.
Bradford County
Bradford County officials urged everyone to take precautions to ensure their safety during this unusual weather event.
Travel Safety Tips:
- Avoid travel if possible. If you must drive, reduce your speed and leave extra space between vehicles. Remember: Even four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles can lose traction on ice.
- Ensure your vehicle has winter essentials, including a blanket, flashlight, water, and non-perishable snacks.
- Watch for black ice, especially on bridges and overpasses, and keep your headlights on for better visibility.
Staying Warm at Home:
- Keep extra blankets and warm clothing on hand. If you use a space heater, plug it directly into the wall, and keep drapes, blankets and other flammable objects at least three feet away.
- Protect your home’s plumbing by dripping faucets and insulating exposed pipes.
- Check on neighbors, especially the elderly, to ensure they have adequate heat and supplies.
- Bring pets inside, and provide extra food, water and bedding for livestock.
The Emergency Management Division is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as conditions evolve. Residents are urged to stay informed by tuning in to local news and following official weather sources on social media platforms.
Schools
Schools and District Offices are closed on Wednesday and will reopen on Thursday.
Columbia County
Columbia County officials said they have been working with schools and road crews to make sure they are prepared for impacts on Wednesday.
Residents were reminded to be mindful of the 5 Ps: Plants, Pets, People, Pipes and Practice Fire Safety.
Drivers were urged to keep an eye out for ice on the roadways and to stay off the roads if at all possible.
This will potentially help limit the number of people who may need the assistance of local first responders, the Sheriff’s Office said.
A cold weather shelter was opened overnight in the Fellowship Hall of Parkview Baptist Church at 268 NW Lake Jeffery Road in Lake City.
The administrative offices for the county are closed Wednesday.
Schools
All schools and offices will remain closed on Wednesday for the safety of students and staff.
All extracurricular activities are canceled on Wednesday (no practices, games, matches, or events).
Eastside Elementary Town Hall has been rescheduled to Thursday at 4 p.m.
Melrose Park Elementary Town Hall will remain at 5:30 p.m. Thursday as scheduled.
Schools are anticipated to reopen on Thursday unless further weather conditions warrant a change.
Union County
Union County is under a Winter Storm Warning through 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Union County anticipated freezing rain and sleet would impact icing on roads and bridges and could impact powerlines and utilities, and trees/branches.
FDOT and the Union County Road Department worked to prep bridges and overpasses.
Union County governmental offices and the Union County Courthouse are closed Wednesday.
Emergency Services (essential personnel) will remain operational. The Union County Health Department is also closed Wednesday.
The City of Lake Butler governmental offices are closed Wednesday.
Officials strongly recommend staying off the roadways through at least 1 p.m. Wednesday, until the Winter Storm Warning expires.
If ice accumulates on roads, it will need time to melt throughout the day Wednesday.
Schools
The Union County School District is closed Wednesday and will re-open on Thursday to resume all normal activities.
Alachua County
Alachua County offices will be closed on Wednesday.
The following offices will also be closed Wednesday:
- Alachua County Schools
- Santa Fe College
- Alachua County Property Appraiser’s Office
- Alachua County Library District
- Alachua County Tax Collector’s Office
- Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
- Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office (Circuit Eight)
- Supervisor of Elections Office
- Cities of Archer, Alachua, Gainesville, High Springs and Waldo
- State Health Department in Alachua County
- CareerSource of North Central Florida
- The Office of the Public Defender
Delayed openings
- • University of Florida (opens at 12:30 p.m.)
- • City of Newberry (opens at 1 p.m.)
Waste collection
Alachua County’s solid waste facilities and operations will also be closed on Wednesday and will resume regular hours on Thursday.
Residential solid waste collection services will be delayed two days for the remainder of the week, due to the combination of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the winter storm warning.
This means that homes regularly collected on Tuesday will be collected on Thursday, those regularly collected on Wednesday will be collected on Friday, and those regularly collected on Thursday will be collected on Saturday. Regular schedules will resume on Monday, Jan. 27.
Schools
All Alachua County public schools and district officers are closed on Wednesday.
Gainesville
City of Gainesville offices, facilities and parks will reopen Thursday.
Regional Transit System buses have resumed regular service except for Santa Fe College-oriented routes. (Routes 10 and 23 continue with reduced service; No service for Routes 76 and 78 at this time.)
Cold weather continues with dangerously cold nights Thursday and Friday. Warmer conditions are expected starting Sunday.
Neighbors are reminded to continue to take precautions against adverse weather conditions.
- Protect people, pets and and property; shelter by evening.
- Check on neighbors, especially those who are older, those with disabilities and those who live alone.
- Bring in outdoor pets and cover cold-sensitive plants.
- Prepare for power outages by creating an emergency kit with essentials for family members and pets.
- Stay indoors and off the roads.
- Practice fire stafety. Use safe heating sources indoors.
- Charge all portable devices.
- Allow outdoor faucets to slowly drip to protect pipes.
Cold Night Shelter
The city has activated its Cold Night Shelter (CNS) program through Saturday during which GRACE Marketplace and the St. Francis House will have additional beds available for anyone needing shelter. The CNS program is funded by federal Community Development Block Grant funding; $25,000 is set aside annually for the program.
Refuse Collection
Residential trash and recycling pickup remains delayed one additional day this week. Tuesday’s collection is scheduled for collection Thursday; Wednesday’s is scheduled Friday and Thursday’s is scheduled Saturday.
Resources
- Emergency management updates can be found online at www.safeGNV.org.
- Additional helpful information can be found online at ready.gov/winter-ready.