JACKSONVILLE and TALLAHASSEE, Florida -The National Weather Service has issued Freeze Warnings and a Freeze Watch for large portions of northern and inland Florida, as a strong cold front is bringing sub-freezing temperatures to the region. Some areas will experience a hard freeze, with temperatures dropping to the low-to-mid 20s and wind chills as low as 13°F in some locations.
⚠️ Key Alerts & Timing
Friday Morning (Feb 21) – Freeze Warning
🕐 Time: 1 AM – 10 AM EST
📍 Affected Areas:
- Northeast & North-Central Florida: Suwannee, Baker, Nassau, Union, Bradford, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Alachua, Putnam, Columbia, Marion, Duval, Levy
- Panhandle & Big Bend: Calhoun, Clay, Early, Lee, Quitman, Randolph, Terrell
🌡️ Expected Lows: 21°F – 30°F
💨 Wind Chills: As low as 13°F in the Panhandle
Saturday Morning (Feb 22) – Freeze Watch
🕐 Time: Friday evening through Saturday morning
📍 Affected Areas: Portions of North Florida
🌡️ Expected Lows: Mid-20s to near 30°F
🌡️ What to Expect
- Sub-freezing temperatures for several hours, particularly during pre-dawn hours.
- Hard freeze conditions in some inland locations.
- Dangerous wind chills making it feel even colder.
- Frost and freeze damage possible for unprotected plants and exposed plumbing.
2/20 6:45am: Colder air is gradually moving into the area this morning. Highs will only rebound into the 40s and 50s this afternoon.
Freezing temperatures and hazardous wind chills are expected tonight with lows in the 20s and wind chills in the teens/low 20s.#ALwx #FLwx #GAwx pic.twitter.com/F0hMltdUpP
— NWS Tallahassee (@NWSTallahassee) February 20, 2025
❄️ Safety Precautions & Preparedness
🔹 Protect Plants & Pets:
- Cover or bring sensitive plants indoors.
- Provide warm, dry shelter for outdoor pets and animals.
🔹 Dress in Layers:
- Wear warm clothing, including hats and gloves, when going outside.
🔹 Check on Vulnerable Individuals:
- The elderly, young children, and those without heat are especially at risk.
🔹 Prevent Pipe Damage:
- Wrap exposed pipes and let faucets drip slowly to prevent freezing and bursting.
🔹 Heating Safety:
- If using space heaters, keep them away from flammable objects and never leave them unattended.
- Avoid using generators or grills indoors, as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.