TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – The Florida panhandle is right in the path of a wintry weather storm. Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency as the frigid temperatures took over.
Florida State University, local schools, and state offices closed down for Tuesday and Wednesday as the snow and ice made its way across the state. But students were not the only ones who got to enjoy the snow day, state lawmakers at the capitol canceled committee week, due to the dangerous driving conditions.
“I don’t have to tell anyone that we are not used to walking in a winter wonderland here in Florida,” Gov. DeSantis said.
Tallahassee turned into a ghost town as the rain and snow brought sleet to the capital city.
The last time Tallahassee saw winter weather like this was back in 2018. This week’s events are historic, with some Floridians experiencing snow for the first time.
Governor DeSantis says while this may be an event to look back on fondly, he assures Floridians the state is taking this very seriously.
“We tend to work quick in Florida, and so we are putting a lot of resources to bear to make sure these roads are as safe as possible,” Gov. DeSantis said.
The state’s response includes sending out more than 200 FDOT personnel, who worked overnight to prepare for the storm, loading up 11 snowplows that stand ready to act, and
pre-treating bridges with a protective spray to help melt the ice.
Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie is most concerned about the ice on the bridges.
“The roads will become icy and dangerous, there is not a may, they will become icy and dangerous. We want everyone to stay indoors like the governor mentioned. If you do not need to be on the road do not be on the road,” Guthrie said.
Winter weather takes over FSU in Tallahassee
Winter weather takes over FSU in Tallahassee
Winter weather takes over FSU in Tallahassee
Floridians across the panhandle need to be prepared to see snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
“We are seeing the forecast trend a little bit more towards snow. But there is still a possibility for freezing rain in the middle of all of this. A mix of frozen precipitation is possible here in Tallahassee in Leon County,” said Kevin Peters, Leon County Emergency Management.
Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie shares that we are currently in the response phase of the winter storm tomorrow will be the recovery phase.
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