URGENT WEATHER ALERT: Freeze and Cold Weather Advisory for Coastal Areas of Northwest Florida

by National Weather Service Tallahassee FL at 3:05 PM EST, Monday, January 6, 2025
Photo by Nadiia Ganzhyi on Unsplash Photo by Nadiia Ganzhyi on Unsplash

URGENT WEATHER ALERT: Freeze and Cold Weather Advisory for Coastal Areas of Northwest Florida
Coastal Bay, Coastal Gulf, Coastal Franklin, and South Walton Counties

Freeze Warning and Cold Weather Advisory in Effect for Overnight Hours

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an urgent weather message for coastal areas in Northwest Florida, with a Freeze Warning and a Cold Weather Advisory both set to take effect tonight, January 6, 2025. Residents in South Walton, Coastal Bay, Coastal Gulf, and Coastal Franklin Counties are urged to prepare for hazardous cold conditions overnight.

Key Details:

  • Cold Weather Advisory:

    • Timing: From 9:00 PM EST (8:00 PM CST) Monday evening until 9:00 AM EST (8:00 AM CST) Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

    • Impacts: Wind chills could plummet as low as 21°F (-6°C), leading to an increased risk of hypothermia for anyone exposed to the cold for extended periods.

  • Freeze Warning:

    • Timing: From 1:00 AM EST (midnight CST) Tuesday, January 7, 2025, through 9:00 AM EST (8:00 AM CST) Tuesday morning.

    • Impacts: Temperatures are expected to dip to as low as 30°F (-1°C) in some areas, posing a significant risk to sensitive vegetation, crops, and outdoor plumbing. Frost is also likely, which could cause damage to unprotected plants and gardens.


Safety and Preparedness Tips:

  • Protect Yourself and Loved Ones and Pets:

    • Dress warmly: Layers, hats, and gloves are highly recommended when venturing outside.

    • Watch for hypothermia: Avoid prolonged exposure to the cold, and check on elderly family members, neighbors, and those who may be more vulnerable to the harsh temperatures.

    • Stay indoors as much as possible and keep pets inside.

  • Protect Your Home and Property:

    • Cover outdoor plants or bring them indoors to shield them from the cold.

    • Prevent plumbing issues: Insulate exposed pipes to avoid damage from freezing temperatures.

    • Be cautious with heating: When using space heaters or portable heat sources, always follow manufacturer instructions and never use generators or grills inside.

  • Travel Smart:

    • Drive with caution: Wind chills may create dangerous conditions, especially in early morning hours. If possible, delay non-essential travel until temperatures rise.


Affected Areas Include
:

  • South Walton (including Santa Rosa Beach, Sandestin, and Freeport)

  • Coastal Bay (including Panama City, Lynn Haven, and Point Washington)

  • Coastal Gulf (including Apalachicola, Port St. Joe, and Cape San Blas)

  • Coastal Franklin (including Apalachicola Airport, Carrabelle, and Eastpoint)

With dangerously low wind chills and freezing temperatures expected across the region, residents are strongly encouraged to take necessary precautions tonight and into Tuesday morning.
For further updates, please monitor local weather forecasts and alerts from the National Weather Service.
Stay safe and warm during this cold snap!