A strong arctic air mass as a result of Winter Storm Ion,which has dumped heavy snow across the Midwest, will bringing freezing temperatures to Florida Monday night through Wednesday morning.
Temperatures could reach as low as the upper teens in North Florida and along the Nature Coast, while Central Florida could see temperatures in the 20s, said the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM).
“Decreasing temperatures and low wind chill values are expected across much of the state both Monday and Tuesday night, extending far south as Palm Beach and Collier Counties,” said State Meteorologist, Amy Godsey. “Floridians should monitor their local forecasts and take necessary precautions.”
The National Weather Service has issued Hard Freeze and Freeze Warnings for Monday night into Tuesday morning for North Florida and Central Florida. Windy and dry conditions will also increase the risk of wildfires.
The FDEM is urging residents and visitors to remember the “Five P’s” of cold weather safety. The “5 P’s” are: Protecting People, Protecting Plants, Protecting Pets, Protecting Exposed Pipes, and Practicing Fire Safety.
Meanwhile, the Winter Storm caused major disruptions at Orlando International Airport, leading to the cancellation of 102 inbound and outbound flights. Over 200 flights into and out of OIA were delayed for more than 30 minutes.
For additional information about severe weather in Florida, and to Get A Plan, visitwww.FloridaDisaster.org. Follow FDEM on social media on Twitter at @FLSERT, Instagram @FloridaSERT, Vine @FloridaSERT, Pinterest at FloridaSERT, as well as on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/FloridaSERT and www.Facebook.com/KidsGetAPlan.
