Extreme cold temperatures will sweep through Florida over the next few days, bringing ice and the potential for snow to parts of the region.
Western Northeast Florida counties like Baker, Bradford, and Columbia are expected to face the most severe conditions locally.
Residents are encouraged to be mindful of potential power outages and to stock up Tuesday on any winter essentials for their homes and vehicles, including water, food, warm blankets and clothing, flashlights, jumper cables and a first aid kit.
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency for Florida on Monday ahead of the rare winter storm.
Dangerously cold wind chills and prolonged freezing and sub-freezing temperatures are expected for North and North-Central Florida for the next several days.
The ice and potential snow can make driving conditions dangerous, and 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
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 add 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 coats are available and no food will be provided by the shelter.
Residents are encouraged to finalize their preparations on Tuesday and 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.
SchoolsBaker County Superintendent Wyatt Milton sent the following message to parents on Tuesday informing them of the county’s decision to cancel school on Wednesday:
Bradford County
In Bradford County, officials told News4JAX that 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.
Schools
Schools and District Offices will be closed on Wednesday and 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 Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
News4JAX spoke with the Emergency Medical Services Director in Columbia County Shayne Morgan, who said crews have been out and about for the last several days working on sanding the roads because icy conditions are one of the main concerns along with potential power outages.
Morgan also urged locals who have to drive to work on Wednesday to “give yourself that extra time” as driving may be a little more treacherous than normal.
“Regardless of what the impacts are, when it comes to Wednesday morning, we want everyone to be as safe as they can,” Morgan said. “We understand there are going to be some people that do have to go to work. If that’s the case, give yourself that extra time. Give yourself a little bit more of a buffer to get to where you need to be.”
Morgan adds that if you don’t have to be on the roadways, don’t.
Parkview Baptist Church, NW Lake Jeffery Road, will also open as a warming center in the area around 5:30 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service, freezing rain and ice are possible in Columbia County with the potential for moderate impacts to transportation and ice on bridges.
Schools
Due to the expected wintry weather, all schools and offices will close by 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and remain closed on Wednesday for the safety of students and staff.
All after school programs including the 21st Century Program will close at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. All extracurricular activities (including practices, games, and matches) are canceled.
Five Points Town Hall has been moved up to 4 p.m. Tuesday.
School and 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.
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
Union County
Union County is still under a Winter Storm Warning from 7 p.m. Tuesday through 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Union County will most likely receive a mix of wintry precipitation: including freezing rain, sleet, and possible snow flurries. This will impact icing on roads and bridges and could impact powerlines and utilities, and trees/branches.
Bridge/overpass prep is ongoing between FDOT and the Union County Road Department.
Union County governmental offices and the Union County Courthouse will be closed Wednesday.
Emergency Services (essential personnel) will remain operational. The Union County Health Department will also be closed Wednesday.
The City of Lake Butler governmental offices will also be closed Wednesday.
Officials strongly recommend staying off the roadways from the hours of 7 p.m. Tuesday through 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 will be closing at 5 p.m. Tuesday, will remain closed Wednesday, and re-open on Thursday to resume all normal activities.
