Tallahassee, FL – A widespread hard freeze and dangerous cold conditions are expected across parts of Florida, southern Georgia, and southeast Alabama, prompting multiple Freeze Warnings, Cold Weather Advisories, and a Freeze Watch heading into early next week.
According to the National Weather Service, a Hard Freeze Warning remains in effect from late Sunday night through Monday morning, with overnight low temperatures as cold as 22 degrees in portions of southeast Alabama and south-central and southwest Georgia. A Cold Weather Advisory will also be in place during this time, with wind chills dropping into the teens.
Affected areas include much of south Georgia, parts of southeast Alabama, and large portions of north and northeast Florida, including inland and coastal communities. Cities impacted range from Albany, Valdosta, Thomasville, Bainbridge, and Dothan, to parts of the Panhandle and First Coast, including Panama City, Apalachicola, Fernandina Beach, and St. Simons Island.
In addition to Monday’s freeze, a Freeze Watch has been issued for late Monday night into Tuesday morning, with temperatures again expected to fall into the low 20s, raising concern for a second night of hard freeze conditions.
Meteorologists warn that frost and freezing temperatures could kill crops and sensitive vegetation, damage unprotected outdoor plumbing, and pose risks to pets and vulnerable populations. Wind chills as low as 14 to 17 degrees may lead to hypothermia or frostbite with prolonged exposure.
Residents are urged to protect tender plants, wrap or drain exposed pipes, bring pets indoors, and check frequently on elderly neighbors. Portable heaters should be used safely, and generators or grills should never be used indoors.
Along portions of coastal northeast Florida, a Wind Advisory is also in effect, with gusts up to 45 mph, increasing the risk of power outages and blowing debris.
Residents should continue monitoring updates from the National Weather Service as this significant cold outbreak impacts the Southeast through Tuesday morning.
