By Michael Moline, Florida Phoenix, and Staff Reports
Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency ahead of the winter storm forecast to bring snow and ice storms to North Florida this week “to protect the communities, critical infrastructure, and general welfare of Florida.”
The order empowers the Division of Emergency Management to coordinate the state and local response to the weather, expected to include up to four inches of snow in the Panhandle and one-quarter inch of ice from the eastern Panhandle through the Suwanee River Valley, auguring tree damage, downed power lines, and frozen-over roads and bridges.
Conditions could present a “major disaster” as far south as Central Florida, DeSantis said in his order.
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In Central Florida, the National Weather Service is projecting overnight temperatures around 40-degrees, with wind chill values as low as 33. A northerly wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. There is a 100% chance of precipitation between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
On Wednesday morning, showers are likely, mainly before 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. Wind chill values as low as 35 early. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
On Wednesday Night, there is a 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 48. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
The order provides for the suspension of tolls as necessary on the state’s highways, eases access to utility line crews from Florida and out of state, allows the dispensing of up to 30 days’ emergency pharmaceutical prescriptions, establishes emergency shelters, and more.
The order activates the Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard to respond to the emergency and allows state agencies to close offices where necessary.
Earlier Monday, legislative leaders postponed House and Senate committee hearings scheduled for this week until next week.
