A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Pensacola, predicting 1 to 3 inches of snow and freezing rain from Tuesday morning through Wednesday.
This watch is active from 6 a.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Snow is more likely to fall north of Interstate 10, while a mix of sleet, snow, and freezing rain is expected south of it. There’s a small chance we could see 3 to 5 inches of snow, but it’s not very likely.
The weather service in Mobile, Alabama, mentioned that they’re not too sure if it’ll be all snow or a mix because of temperature uncertainties. They warned that no matter what, we should expect some impacts, and conditions could get worse throughout Tuesday.
For folks living a bit inland, they should prepare for “moderate impacts” from the storm, which could disrupt daily life and create hazardous driving conditions. Roads, bridges, and overpasses might get icy, making travel tough. There’s also a chance of tree damage and power outages.
If you’re right along the coast, the impacts will be minor, but you still need to be careful while driving. The winter weather could kick off as early as Tuesday morning and stick around all day.
It’s going to be really cold, with temperatures staying below freezing most of the day, except for a few hours in the afternoon. The wind chill could make it feel as low as 14 degrees early Wednesday. So, if you’re outside, be careful to avoid hypothermia.
County officials are urging everyone to stay off the roads if possible. Many drivers aren’t used to this kind of weather, and driving in snow or sleet can be tricky for Floridians who may have never seen snow before.
Keeping your home warm is also super important. Officials warned against overusing electrical items during this cold snap, especially if they’re plugged into power strips. Using space heaters can be risky if you’re not careful, as they could start a fire.
It’s best to plug space heaters directly into the wall to avoid any issues. And don’t cover them with blankets or anything that could catch fire. A simple way to keep the heat in is to stuff blankets into your windows.
If you feel cold air coming through doors or windows, block it with blankets. Make sure you have safe heating sources and avoid using the oven to heat your home. If you’re using propane devices, have carbon monoxide alarms in place.
Escambia County is working with community partners to help those on the streets find shelter. They’ll also provide transportation between shelters once the cold hits.
Several shelters are open in Escambia County for those in need. One is at 348 W. Herman St., which is open 24 hours for men and women. Another at 2200 N. Palafox St. is for women with children and opens daily.
There’s also a shelter at 7895 Pensacola Blvd. for men and women, but no kids. It opens at 4:30 p.m. and clients must leave by 7 a.m. The shelters will stay open through Wednesday night, and if it stays cold, they’ll keep operating.
For more info on shelters and emergency resources, you can check out MyEscambia.com/realchange or call 211.
In Santa Rosa County, the cold weather shelter at Ferris Hill Baptist Church is open 24 hours until Thursday morning. They’re looking for volunteers to help out, and shifts are in two-hour increments.
Remember the “Five P’s” of cold weather safety: Protect People, Protect Plants, Protect Pets, Protect Exposed Pipes, and Practice Fire Safety. Stay indoors, use safe heating sources, and if you have to go outside, dress warmly.
Stay safe out there, everyone!
