Pensacola may 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 a.m. Tuesday through 6 a.m. Wednesday.
The latest model runs have increased the confidence that the Pensacola area will see mainly 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 the recent trends suggest it may be mostly snow.
If the forecast verifies, it may be a once-in-a-lifetime storm. The record one-day snowfall in the city limits of Pensacola 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 hazardous, if not impossible, at some times, the weather service said.
Power outages and tree damage are also possible.
Wintry weather is expected to move into Florida by midday Tuesday.
In addition to the snow and ice, bitterly cold temperatures are forecast for the area and some places may remain below freezing all day Tuesday. Making it worse for anyone outside is the wind chill, which is expected to reach as low as 12 degrees in Pensacola early Wednesday morning. Hypothermia is possible if no precautions are taken, the weather service said.
Public schools are closed on Tuesday, and so are most other public and governmental offices.
Driving in freezing rain or snow
County officials advised residents to stay off of the roads, if possible, in the event of snow or sleet as most drivers are ill equipped for this kind of weather and driving in these hazardous conditions are unfamiliar to many Floridians.
Unlike in the Midwest or Northeast parts of the country, many local residents have never even seen snow, much less driven in it, said Escambia County Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore.
How to safely keep your home warm
Keeping your home warm will also be important to residents but county officials warned about overuse of electrical items during subfreezing temperatures, especially when those devices are plugged into power strips instead of wall outlets. During the cold weather, improper use of items like space heaters could start a fire inside your home if you’re not careful.
Emergency shelters are open
Escambia County Emergency Manager Travis Tompkins said that the county is working with its community outreach partners to let people on the streets know about the incoming weather and provide them with information on where they can find shelter. He also said that Escambia County Area Transit will transport people between shelters once 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 sheltering plan:
348 W. Herman St., Pensacola
Accepting men and women. Open 24 hours, with expanded capacity and no charge during cold weather events
2200 N. Palafox St., Pensacola
Accepting women with children. Open daily, with expanded capacity during cold weather events. Intake is from 4-6 p.m. (after 6 p.m. if accompanied by law enforcement)
7895 Pensacola Blvd., Pensacola
Men and women, no children. Intake is from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Clients must leave by 7 a.m., with ECAT providing free transportation to Waterfront starting at 7 a.m.
Open through Wednesday night, Jan. 22, with operations continuing if temperatures continue to be 32 degrees or below.
“While some of the shelters will shut down at a hard stop, Waterfront will be open around the clock so they can be a warming shelter for those 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 heatless at Ferris Hill Baptist Church, 6848 Chaffin St. in Milton, are open 24 hours until 10 a.m. Thursday.
No one will be admitted after 8:30 p.m. each night unless brought in by law enforcement. Only service animals (with verification of rabies vaccination) are permitted to stay with guests.
Volunteers are needed through Wednesday.Shifts are in two-hour increments and there will always be at least two volunteers present at all times. To see available shifts and to sign up to volunteer, visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F44A5AC2DA1FDC16-54474634-cold#/.
Santa Rosa County’s cold weather shelter is operated by Ferris Hill Baptist Church, utilizing volunteer resources and donations. It opens each night weather is forecasted to drop below 40 degrees, typically November through March. The shelter is for people who are homeless or cannot maintain heat in their homes, can care for themselves, and are not at risk to themselves or others. No one will be admitted to the shelter who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, unable to walk unaided or disoriented.
The “five Ps” 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 during cold weather, keep these tips in mind:
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Stay indoors and use safe heating sources.
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When outdoors, stay dry and wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing.
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Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets. Using extension cords may cause circuit overload and result in a fire.
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Keep space heaters away from drapery, furniture and other flammable materials. Do not leave them unattended.
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Do not use a stove or oven as a heat source They are ineffective and dangerous.
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Never use grills as an indoor heating source. Charcoal and propane emit deadly carbon monoxide gas and are not suitable for indoor use.
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Never leave lit candles unattended. Candles are unsafe and ineffective as a heat source.
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When using a fireplace, ensure it is properly vented, and the chimney is cleaned periodically to avoid flash fires.
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Do not burn anything in the fireplace other than firewood and do not leave a fire burning when going to sleep.
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Install smoke detectors and regularly check that they work. If you have gas appliances, install a carbon monoxide detector.
News Journal reporter Edward Bunch III contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola Winter Storm Warning, snow could reach 4 inches
