TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – Florida’s Panhandle is in the midst of a winter storm. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency as frigid temperatures persisted.
Florida State University, local schools and state offices were closed Tuesday and Wednesday as snow and ice spread across the state. But students weren’t the only ones enjoying a snowy day, as state lawmakers at the state Capitol canceled committee week due to dangerous driving conditions.
“I don’t need to tell anyone that here in Florida we’re not used to walking through a winter wonderland,” Governor DeSantis said.
Tallahassee turned into a ghost town as rain and snow brought sleet to the capital. Some Florida State University students saw snow for the first time.
The last time Tallahassee saw winter weather like this was back in 2018. This week’s events are historic, with some Floridians experiencing snow for the first time.
Governor DeSantis said while this may be an event to look back on fondly, he assured Floridians that the state is taking this very seriously.
“Florida tends to work fast, so we’re putting a lot of resources into making these roads as safe as possible,” Governor DeSantis said.
The state’s response included more than 200 FDOT employees working through the night to prepare for the storm and loading 11 snow plows ready for immediate action.
Pre-treat the bridge with a protective spray to help melt the ice.
Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie’s biggest concern is ice on bridges.
“The roads are going to be icy and dangerous. Unless we have May, the roads are going to be icy and dangerous. As the governor said, we want everyone to stay indoors.” If you don’t need to be out, don’t be out on the road,” Guthrie said.
Floridians across the Panhandle should prepare for snow, sleet and freezing rain.
Kevin Peters said, “The forecast is trending towards a little more snow, but even with these conditions there’s still a chance of freezing rain. Here in Tallahassee, Leon County, freezing rain could be in the mix.” said. Leon County Emergency Management.
Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said they are currently in the winter storm response phase and tomorrow will be in the recovery phase.
In Tallahassee, workers poured more than 40 tons of dirt onto roads and residents were asked to stay off the roads. Approximately 12,000 customers had power restored overnight.
