Freeze Warnings For North Florida, Panhandle

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.

❄️ 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.