Jacksonville, Florida – A widespread winter freeze is set to grip southeast Georgia and northeast Florida overnight, with dangerously cold temperatures expected from 1 a.m. through 8 a.m. Tuesday.
Sub-freezing air will surge south late tonight, dropping temperatures to near or below 32 degrees across inland northeast Florida and into the upper 20s across much of southeast Georgia. The National Weather Service in Jacksonville has issued a Freeze Warning for large portions of the region, warning that sensitive vegetation, outdoor pets, and exposed pipes are at risk during the early-morning hours.
Affected areas in Florida include Baker County, inland Nassau County, Columbia County, western Duval County, and portions of Hamilton County. In Georgia, the warning covers much of inland and coastal southeast Georgia, including Waycross, Jesup, Baxley, Folkston, Kingsland, Brunswick, and St. Simons Island. According to the National Weather Service, the coldest temperatures are expected just before sunrise, when winds relax and heat rapidly escapes.
Travel impacts are expected to be limited, but drivers should remain cautious on bridges and overpasses, particularly along I-95 and rural roadways where temperatures may briefly dip below freezing. Emergency managers are urging residents to check on elderly neighbors, ensure outdoor pets have adequate shelter, and safely use supplemental heat indoors.
Gardeners and farmers should take immediate action to protect tender plants, citrus, and early crops. Potted plants should be moved indoors, while exposed vegetation should be covered before midnight. According to forecasters, another round of freezing temperatures is possible late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, extending the cold threat beyond this initial freeze window.
