Florida under state of emergency ahead of winter weather, dangerously cold temperatures

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for the state of Florida ahead of a major winter storm sweeping across the Southeast that is expected to bring chilly temperatures to parts of Florida, as well as the potential for snow, ice, sleet and/or freezing rain.

Parts of North Florida and North Central Florida have been placed under a winter storm warning, which could result in snow and ice in those areas. For those in the Orlando area, we won’t see snow or ice, but will experience cold temperatures well below seasonal or normal.

What does a state of emergency do?

A state of emergency gives Governor DeSantis and the Department of Emergency Management access to additional resources, equipment and funding to help with an emergency. It effectively removes some of the red tape needed to access these resources — and in Florida, it’s most commonly declared in advance of major tropical storms, hurricanes and other natural disasters.

What they say:

Florida Winter Storm: What to Expect?

Big picture:

According to the latest forecasts, parts of northern Florida along the Florida-Georgia state line will likely experience a wintry mix of snow, ice and sleet from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning as arctic air moves across the southern United States.

Snow, freezing rain and sleet are all possible in North Florida, according to the FOX 35 Storm Team. As it moves further south into Orlando and South Florida, rain, wind and cold will be the main impacts.

Timeline: When will the winter weather arrive?

Timeline:

North Florida: It largely depends on where you live. For those in North Florida, the timeline is late Tuesday night, through the overnight hours and into the early morning hours of Wednesday.

Central Florida (Metro Orlando): Orlando most likely won’t see snow, ice or sleet. But rainy and cold temperatures are expected to be here through Wednesday morning. Temperatures are expected to drop into the upper 30s and lower 40s north of Interstate 40 — and into the mid-40s for those in metro Orlando. Parts of Volusia County could see replacements. in the mid-30s.

There is also a chance for strong surf and rip currents at beaches on the Atlantic side of the state. Sailing conditions will be hazardous Tuesday night into Wednesday, according to forecasters.

How cold does it get in Orlando?

Temperatures are expected to be in the 30s and 40s Wednesday morning.

With the wind chill, temperatures will feel like they are in the 30s in metro Orlando, 40s and 50s along the coast, and 20s in parts of the Gainesville area.

Outlook: Can it snow in Florida?

For it to snow, the temperature must reach at least 32 degrees – the freezing point. But if the ground is warmer than 32, these snowflakes will melt.

Has it ever snowed in Florida? When is the last time?

According to the National Weather Service, the last time Orlando saw measurable snowfall was in 1977, same for Tampa.

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