
A mix of freezing rain and possible snow flurries are projected to hit North Florida late Tuesday evening and into Wednesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service, a winter storm warning is in effect from 7 p.m. on Tuesday through 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Rain showers will turn into possible sleet and freezing rain after 1 a.m. on Wednesday with a north wind of 10 to 14 mph and gusts up to 21 mph. Ice accumulation of less than 0.1 inch up to half an inch is possible with temperatures dipping to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Alachua County Emergency Department (ACED) posted on social media that the northern part of Alachua County will see more impact, especially on the rural/open and overpass roadways.
The ACED added that freezing rain can be a significant hazard to infrastructure (powerlines, roads) that are not designed to handle ice and warned residents to make a plan if there are local power outages. Residents are asked to stay off roadways overnight and Wednesday morning, if possible.
ACED stated, “Protection of people, pets, pipes, plants, and practicing heater safety are vital. Take steps now to make sure that your property is prepared and ready for the overnight cold and potential for freezing rain. Check on your family, friends, and neighbors, especially if any of those people have issues with their heating.”
Residents are also encouraged not to leave their pets outside during this cold weather event. Dogs and cats should be brought inside. Check with a local veterinarian for strategies on how to keep outdoor pets and livestock safe.
If only someone had warned the population about changing climate, maybe something could have been done to prepare?
On days like this, seems like there’s always someone walking around outside dressed in a T-shirt, shorts and shower shoes–and he’s from somewhere like Maine or Michigan or North Dakota–and if you complain about the wind and low temperature, he’ll say, “Cold?!? You call this cold?!?”