Hard freeze and wind chills continue<\/p>\n
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 If you\u2019re out there today, you\u2019ve probably felt it. I\u2019m News4JAX\u2019s meteorologist, and I\u2019ve got to tell you\u2014this is one of the coldest stretches we\u2019ve felt in ages. An extreme cold warning was in effect this morning. Temperatures started in the upper teens and 20s, with wind chills dropping to the single digits in some areas. Even in the afternoon, highs are expected to reach only the low to mid 40s, but the feels-like temp? More like the 30s.<\/p>\n
The culprit behind all this is a strong low pressure system off the Carolinas, dragging in an unusually cold Arctic air mass over northeast Florida and southeast Georgia. Our Exact Track 4D radar showed those stubborn winds out of the northwest, 20 to 25 mph and gusting higher in some areas. With these winds, it\u2019s not just cold\u2014it\u2019s bitter.<\/p>\n
As of 10:04 a.m., the official extreme cold warning expired, and a freeze warning is set to last through 12 p.m., but don\u2019t get too comfortable. We\u2019re expecting another deep freeze tonight and into tomorrow morning, with lows dipping into the 20s once again. The latest forecast has that pattern holding for at least a couple more nights before we even start to get close to normal.<\/p>\n
Cold weather impact and safety tips<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s talk about what\u2019s happening around our neighborhoods. Power outages and frozen pipes are an honest worry\u2014my neighbor let me know this morning their pipes froze, and I\u2019ve got my own faucets dripping just in case. If you\u2019ve tried to fly out today, you already know the airport\u2019s had delays and cancellations, mostly because of weather further north, but also thanks to crosswinds here shaking things up.<\/p>\n
The biggest message right now: stay warm and safe. Warming centers are open for anyone who needs shelter from the cold. In Jacksonville, the Legend Center is open nightly 9 p.m. to 9 a.m., extended until noon Monday. City buses will take you there for free. That\u2019s a real lifeline when the Mercury drops this low.<\/p>\n
I know a lot of you canceled brunch plans, put off your walks, or just camped out under a pile of blankets\u2014that\u2019s smart. This is \u201cstay inside if you can\u201d weather. If you do need to walk the dog, bundle up, and try to limit your time outside. Protect pets just like you would yourself.<\/p>\n
Community spirit and rare snow flurries<\/p>\n
Can you believe some of us spotted snow flurries in Florida? It\u2019s true! I saw a few last night outside an Iceman game near Atlantic Beach and got just as giddy as you did. Folks all over northeast Florida and southern Georgia sent in amazing videos and pictures. It\u2019s not something we see every winter.<\/p>\n
Between video submissions and emails describing your \u201cI saw snow!\u201d moments, I have to say\u2014our community comes together in weather like this. I\u2019m so proud of everyone who fought the urge to stay inside and still supported The Donna event, even with these temperatures.<\/p>\n