Pensacola Winter Storm Warning, snow could reach 4 inches

On By Littum

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Pensacola could see 2 to 4 inches of snow on Tuesday from a “significant winter storm,” according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

A winter storm warning is in effect for the region, including Escambia and Santa Rose counties, from 6 Tuesday to 6 Wednesday.

Recent model runs have increased confidence that the Pensacola area will primarily see snow on Tuesday. The weather service said it’s still possible that areas along the immediate coast could see a wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain, but recent trends suggest it could be mostly snow.

If the weather forecast confirms, it could be a once-in-a-lifetime storm. The record single-day snowfall in Pensacola’s city limits occurred in 1954, when 2.3 inches of snow was recorded at the Pensacola airport, according to weather service records.

Roads, bridges and overpasses are expected to become icy, making travel dangerous, if not impossible, at times, the weather service said.

Power outages and tree damage are also possible.

Winter weather is expected to move into Florida by noon Tuesday.

In addition to the snow and ice, bitterly cold temperatures are forecast for the area, and in some places it could remain below freezing throughout Tuesday. Making it worse for everyone outside is the wind chill, which is expected to reach as low as 12 degrees in Pensacola early Wednesday morning. Hypothermia is possible if precautions are not taken, the weather service informs.

Public schools are closed on Tuesdays, as are most other public and government offices.

Driving in freezing weather or snow

County officials advised residents to stay off the roads if possible in the event of snow or sleet, as most drivers are ill-equipped for this type of weather and driving in these dangerous conditions is unfamiliar to many Floridians.

Unlike in the Midwest or Northeast, many local residents have never seen snow, much less driven in it, said Escambia County Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore.

How to keep your home safely warm

Keeping your home warm will also be important for residents, but county officials cautioned against overuse of electrical items during freezing temperatures, especially when those devices are plugged into outlets instead of outlets. During the cold weather, improper use of items such as space heaters can start a fire inside your home if you are not careful.

Emergency shelters are open

Escambia County Emergency Manager Travis Tompkins said the county is working with its local outreach partners to let people on the streets know about the incoming weather and provide them with information on where to find shelter. He also said Escambia County Area Transit will transport people between shelters when the cold weather hits, and that the shelters will try to accommodate everyone’s situation, including people with animals.

The following shelters are open in Escambia County as part of the county’s Cold Weather Plan:

348 W. Herman St., Pensacola

To accept men and women. Open 24 hours, with extended capacity and no charging during cold weather events

2200 N. Palafox St., Pensacola

To accept women with children. Open daily with expanded capacity during cold weather events. Admission is from 4-6pm (after 6pm if accompanied by law enforcement)

7895 Pensacola Blvd., Pensacola

Men and women, no children. Admission is from 16.30-18.30. Clients must leave at 7.00, and ECAT provides free transport to the Waterfront from

Open through Wednesday evening, January 22, when operations will continue if temperatures remain 32 degrees or below.

“While some of the shelters will shut down at a hard stop, the Waterfront will be open 24/7 so they can be a warming shelter for these types of people, and ECAT will provide services to get them there,” Gilmore said.

For information on shelters as well as emergency resources and services across Escambia County, visit MyEscambia.com/realchange or call 211.

Santa Rosa County shelter hours extended

The cold weather shelter for the homeless and/or without heat at Ferris Hill Baptist Church6848 Chaffin St. in Milton, is open 24 hours until 10 Thursday.

No one will be admitted after 20.30 every night, unless they are brought in by the police. Only service animals (with verification of rabies vaccination) may stay with guests.

Volunteers are needed through Wednesday. Shifts are in two-hour intervals and there will always be at least two volunteers present. To view available shifts and sign up to volunteer, visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F44A5AC2DA1FDC16-54474634-cold#/.

The Santa Rosa County Cold Weather Shelter is operated by Ferris Hill Baptist Churchby using voluntary resources and donations. It opens every night when the weather is expected to drop below 40 degrees, typically from November to March. The shelter is for people who are homeless or cannot maintain heat in their home, can take care of themselves and are not a danger to themselves or others. No one will be admitted to the shelter who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, unable to walk on their own, or disoriented.

The “Five P’s” of 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 in cold weather, remember these tips:

  • Stay indoors and use safe heat sources.
  • When outdoors, stay dry and wear several layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing.
  • Plug space heaters directly into sockets. Using extension cords can overload the circuit and result in a fire.
  • Keep space heaters away from curtains, 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 a grill as an indoor heat 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 that it is properly ventilated and that the chimney is cleaned at regular intervals to avoid flash fires.
  • Do not burn anything but firewood in the fireplace and do not leave a fire burning when you go to sleep.
  • Install smoke detectors and regularly check that they are working. If you have gas appliances, install a carbon monoxide detector.

News Journal reporter Edward Bunch III contributed to this report.