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Gov. Ron DeSantis Updates on Gulf Winter Weather System and State Preparedness

By  //  January 22, 2025

Winter storm conditions can change rapidly, and ice accumulation from freezing rain makes hazardous driving conditions likely. If you are in an affected area, please stay off the roads. Floridians are, by nature, not prepared for driving in ice and snow, and this can be extremely dangerous. Staying off the roads is the best way to say safe, and will keep the roadways clear for emergency personnel to operate. Monitor updates from @MyFDOT, @FLSERT and local officials.

Icy Conditions and Cautionary Warnings:

North Florida is experiencing very slick and icy conditions today, as precipitation has accumulated and frozen.

Any wet spots that do not thaw today may refreeze by Thursday morning, creating hazardous driving conditions.

Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution when traveling.

Record-Breaking Snowfall This winter storm has shattered records in the Florida Panhandle. Several locations broke single-day and event snowfall records, and the state snowfall record was also exceeded. Milton, Florida recorded an astounding 8-9 inches of snow, more than double the previous state record of 4 inches set in 1954.

Emergency Measures Activated Governor Ron DeSantis issued Emergency Order EO 25-13 on January 20, declaring a state of emergency.

This declaration allows state officials to deploy critical resources to affected communities in anticipation of storm impacts. As of 3 p.m., approximately 18,000 power accounts remain without electricity, but over 20,000 accounts have been restored.

Cold Weather Warnings Extreme Cold Warnings are in effect for the Florida Panhandle tonight and into Thursday morning, with dangerous wind chills expected to drop temperatures into the teens. Freeze Warnings and Cold Weather Advisories have been issued as conditions warrant.

Warnings in Effect:
Extreme Cold Warning: Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington counties.
Cold Weather Advisory: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison, Nassau, Suwannee, Taylor, and Union counties.
Freeze Warning: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Nassau, Suwannee, and Union counties.
Shelters and Resources Cold weather shelters have been opened in several impacted counties. For shelter information and updates on resources available, visit FloridaDisaster.org/Counties.

Infrastructure and Road Closures

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Preparations The FDOT has been actively preparing for the storm, with over 250 team members deployed across North Florida. Crews are focused on monitoring and treating over 5,000 centerline miles of state roads, with particular emphasis on major bridges like those on I-10 and I-75.

Snowplows and De-Icing Equipment: FDOT has deployed 11 snowplows and 120 trucks/spray rigs to distribute de-icing solutions.
Bridges Pre-Treated: More than 600 state-owned bridges, including critical bridges in the Panhandle, have been pre-treated.
Travel and Road Closures Several roads and bridges are currently closed due to the winter weather. Significant closures include:

Interstate 10: Closed from Mile Marker 5 in Escambia County to Mile Marker 70 in Okaloosa County. Various ramps are also closed.
Pensacola Bay Bridge: Closed in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Highway 98: Closed in Franklin and Gulf counties.
For real-time updates, visit FL511.com.

Airports and Transit Service Interruptions
Airport Status Several airports have suspended operations or are operating under emergency conditions:

Pensacola International Airport: Emergency operations, reopening at 12:00 p.m. CST.
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport: Emergency operations, reopening at 12:00 p.m. CST.
Tallahassee International Airport: Emergency operations, reopening at 1:00 p.m. EST on January 23.
Jacksonville International Airport: Currently closed.
Transit Service There are ongoing service interruptions, so passengers should check directly with their local transit providers for updates.

State Preparedness Efforts

Coordination of Emergency Operations The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 2, and is coordinating with local authorities across all 67 counties. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is assisting with road closures, snow removal, and power restoration efforts. Additionally, FHP is using drone technology to monitor road conditions.

Power Restoration and Community Support FHP is working with utilities and FDOT to support power restoration efforts. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is also monitoring state park closures due to the storm. For real-time updates, residents are encouraged to visit FloridaDisaster.org.

Resources for Residents and Businesses

Business and Consumer Resources FloridaCommerce has provided updated information on closures and resources for businesses affected by the storm. Flexibilities in disaster funding have been granted to Community Action Agencies (CAAs) to address emergency household needs. CareerSource Florida centers are offering virtual services, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is supporting the agricultural community.

For more updates on resources, visit FloridaDisaster.biz.

Conclusion

Residents are urged to stay informed and continue monitoring local weather updates, road conditions, and emergency resources. The state is actively working to mitigate the impact of the storm and ensure public safety.