Tallahassee, Florida – A potent Arctic air mass is moving into the Florida Panhandle, southeast Alabama, and southwest Georgia, bringing dangerous cold, strong winds, and hazardous marine conditions through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee, a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect beginning late Friday night and continuing into early Saturday morning for much of southeast Alabama, the Florida Panhandle, and portions of southwest Georgia. Minimum wind chill values are forecast to drop into the single digits, with some inland locations feeling as cold as 2°F to 5°F, conditions capable of causing frostbite with prolonged exposure.
In addition to the cold, strong northwest winds will accompany the Arctic front. Sustained winds up to 25 mph, with gusts reaching 40 mph, are expected along the Emerald Coast and coastal counties. A Wind Advisory is in effect for coastal Walton, Bay, and Gulf counties.
Marine conditions will be especially dangerous. The National Weather Service has issued a Gale Warning for Gulf waters from the Okaloosa–Walton County line to west of Apalachicola, with winds exceeding 40 knots and offshore seas building to 6–13 feet. A Small Craft Advisory is also in effect for St. Andrews Bay, and a Rip Current Statement has been issued for all local beaches.
These conditions pose significant risks for mariners and beachgoers. Officials strongly advise remaining in port, avoiding boating activities, and staying out of the water due to the high risk of rip currents.
Travel impacts may also occur inland as cold temperatures affect vehicles, bridges, and exposed roadways along U.S. Highway 27, U.S. Highway 84, U.S. Highway 98, and Interstate 10. Residents are urged to protect people, pets, plants, and pipes, secure outdoor objects, and use caution with alternative heating sources.
Temperatures will begin moderating by early next week, but dangerous conditions persist through the weekend. Continue to monitor official updates from the National Weather Service.
