With models continuing to call for a historic Florida snowfall and forecasters notching up the odds for an “impactful snowstorm” or ice storm, Tallahassee is going into planning mode.
Saturday morning, forecasters gave the odds of about a 1-in-3 chance of snowfall greater than an inch in Florida’s capital city. That comes with the possible threat of freezing rain and icy conditions. Forecast models continue to show a parade of snow and ice across the region with the trusted Euro model even calling for almost 5 inches of snow.
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“The chances of a high impact winter weather event is increasing for our area next week for the possible wintry precip and bitterly cold temperatures,” a Tallahassee-based National Weather Service forecaster wrote in the morning forecast discussion.
In addition to lighting up social media, the prospect of wild winter weather has put local officials on alert as they prepare for the almost unthinkable in Florida: A rare snow day or ice threat that is rarely seen in these parts.
It all begins with a heavy rain and marginal severe weather threat Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning ahead of a bitter cold front.
“A low-end threat for isolated strong to damaging gusts, heavy rainfall, and perhaps a brief tornado or two will exist during this time frame,” NWS forecasters write.
Then comes the coldest temperatures of the year.
From Monday to Thursday the city will see lows in the mid to upper 20s with highs in the upper 30s to low 40s. Add in a brisk north wind and wind chills would hit the teens, which would necessitate a Cold Weather Advisory and possible Extreme Cold watches or warnings.
Then comes the main event. The official Tallahassee forecast for Monday night includes a 20% chance of snowstorms after 1 a.m.
On Tuesday, there’s a slight chance of snow showers before 1 p.m., then rain showers likely. Tuesday night there’s a 70 percent chance of rain and snow showers before 1 a.m., then a chance of rain showers, snow showers, and freezing rain through the evening.
Leon County Schools has already alerted parents that it will be monitoring the weather over the weekend and would send a text update to parents on Monday if the school schedule would be interrupted.
Meanwhile, Leon County officials are “actively preparing to ensure community safety and continuity of operations” in advance of a possible freak Florida winter storm.
Emergency management is conducting regular briefings with the National Weather Service.
“There is a 30-40% chance of wintry precipitation, including snow, sleet, or freezing rain, across the region from late Tuesday into Wednesday morning,” County Manager Vince Long wrote in an emailed briefing to county commissioners. “While significant accumulation is unlikely, icy roads and hazardous travel conditions may occur, and our County teams are taking this time to thoroughly prepare and communicate in advance of wintry conditions.”
The briefing noted that:
- Shelters are opening: Cold Night Shelter operations will be open Sunday night through Friday morning. Due to the low temperatures, shelters are preparing for a larger than usual number of clients and all partners currently have their plans in place.
- Sand trucks are at the ready: County Public Works has prepped, filled and fueled the County’s two sand trucks and is prepared to sand the 33 bridges on County roadways beginning early Tuesday morning. In coordination with FDOT, crews are also standing ready to sand the six interstate overpasses as needed. “By applying sand in advance of wintry conditions, the County can help improve traction on road surfaces and ensure safer travel for residents and first responders,” Long wrote.
- County Emergency Medical Services are adjusting: County EMS continues to monitor conditions closely and will work over the weekend to adjust staffing levels if needed to meet potential increases in service demand. Additionally, EMS personnel are conducting thorough checks of all ambulance and supervisory vehicles to ensure they are fully operational and equipped for the safest possible response to calls during wintry conditions.
- Law Enforcement is gearing up: County Emergency Management is coordinating with law enforcement to assess and implement additional safety measures, including traffic calming or detours, if necessary.
State emergency managers warn residents about bitter cold, offers tips
The state even got into the action with the Florida Division of Emergency Management “reminding residents and visitors of cold weather safety.”
“Floridians are encouraged to remember the “Five P’s” of cold weather safety: Protect People, Protect Plants, Protect Pets, Protect Exposed Pipes and Practice Fire Safety. To stay cozy and safe during cold weather, keep these tips in mind:”
- Stay indoors and use safe heating sources.
- When outdoors, stay dry and wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing.
- Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets. Using extension cords may cause circuit overload and result in a fire.
- Keep space heaters away from drapery, furniture and other flammable materials. Do not leave them unattended.
- Do not use a stove or oven as a heat source They are ineffective and dangerous.
- Never use grills as an indoor heating source. Charcoal and propane emit deadly carbon monoxide gas and are not suitable for indoor use.
- Never leave lit candles unattended. Candles are unsafe and ineffective as a heat source.
- When using a fireplace, ensure it is properly vented, and the chimney is cleaned periodically to avoid flash fires.
- Do not burn anything in the fireplace other than firewood and do not leave a fire burning when going to sleep.
- Install smoke detectors and regularly check that they work. If you have gas appliances, install a carbon monoxide detector.
