Jacksonville, Fla. – Sub-freezing temperatures in the mid-20s to near 30 degrees are gripping much of Florida right now, threatening citrus, strawberries and exposed plumbing through 9 a.m. Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Jacksonville, Melbourne, Miami and Tampa Bay, Freeze Warnings and Cold Weather Advisories stretch from the Panhandle to South Florida. Inland North Florida, including Gainesville, Ocala and Lake City, could drop to 26 degrees with wind chills as low as 23. In Central Florida, Orlando, Kissimmee and Daytona Beach are facing lows near 30 with wind chills in the mid-20s. Even typically warmer inland areas of Collier, Glades and Hendry counties may briefly hit 30 to 31 degrees before sunrise.
Coastal communities from Jacksonville to Tampa Bay are also under freeze alerts, while Southwest Florida’s interior, including Immokalee and Lehigh Acres, could see readings in the upper 20s. Frost Advisories are already posted statewide from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. Wednesday as another cold morning looms.
Residents should cover tender plants, bring pets indoors and allow outdoor faucets to drip. Officials urge residents to check on elderly neighbors and avoid unsafe heating methods.
Warnings remain in effect through mid-morning Tuesday, with additional frost concerns returning before sunrise Wednesday.
