Tallahassee, FL – A rare and dangerous cold snap is gripping parts of Florida, Georgia, and Alabama tonight as Extreme Cold Warnings, Freeze Warnings, and Wind Advisories remain in effect across the region through Sunday morning and early afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee, dangerously cold wind chills ranging from 5 to 10 degrees above zero are expected across portions of southeast Alabama, the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend Florida, and southwest Georgia. At the same time, a hard freeze with overnight lows near 20 degrees threatens crops, sensitive vegetation, pets, and unprotected plumbing.
The impacted area includes cities such as Tallahassee, Dothan, Enterprise, Panama City, Marianna, Albany, Bainbridge, Valdosta, Thomasville, and Apalachicola, along with dozens of rural communities across the tri-state region. The Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect until 1 p.m. Sunday, while Freeze Warnings continue until 10 a.m. Sunday in most areas.
In addition to the cold, northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph are expected through this evening and into early Sunday, especially along the coast and across open inland areas. These winds could bring down tree limbs, cause isolated power outages, and make driving hazardous for high-profile vehicles.
Weather officials warn that frost and freezing conditions may cause significant agricultural damage, particularly to citrus, winter crops, and tender plants. Residents are urged to wrap or drain outdoor pipes, allow faucets to drip, and bring pets indoors. Outdoor animals should have access to warm, dry shelter and unfrozen water.
Officials also stress the importance of safe heating practices, warning residents not to use grills or generators indoors and to check on elderly neighbors and those without reliable heat.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve later Sunday afternoon, but officials say lingering cold may persist into Sunday night in some areas.
