Florida schools, universities close ahead of winter storm

Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Florida State University (FSU) will cancel classes and suspend normal operations on Tuesday, Jan. 21, and Wednesday, Jan. 22, due to expected wintry precipitation and ice, which could impact roadways and critical services.

Winter weather prompts university closures

What we know:

The closures affect FAMU’s campuses in Tallahassee, Quincy, and Crestview, as well as FSU’s Tallahassee and Panama City campuses. The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and Florida State University Schools, FSU’s K-12 charter school in Tallahassee, are also included. Essential business operations will continue during the closure. This measure is being taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the community, officials said.

Employees designated by their department as essential personnel should consult with their supervisors. 

The universities plan to resume classes and normal business operations on Thursday. University officials continue to closely monitor weather developments. Stay weather aware and use extreme caution, particularly when traveling outdoors. 

Students are strongly encouraged to return to the Tallahassee area before road conditions are anticipated to deteriorate on Tuesday evening. There is a potential for road closures around the region, that could include Interstates, Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. 

Residential housing operations will continue throughout the closure. Employees designated as essential personnel should coordinate with their supervisors regarding work responsibilities.

Both universities plan to resume classes and normal operations on Thursday but will continue to monitor weather conditions. Officials urge students and staff to stay weather-aware and exercise caution, particularly when outdoors or traveling.

Students are strongly encouraged to return to the Tallahassee area before road conditions worsen on Tuesday evening. Officials warn of potential road closures, including interstates, on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Residential housing operations will remain open during the closure.

What we don't know:

The University of Florida's Gainesville campus is included in a Winter Storm Warning but no formal announcement has been made by the university about whether campus operations will be altered. FOX 35 will continue to monitor and update this story.

Winter weather in northern Florida

Big picture view:

For northern Florida, particularly north of Ocala (especially from Gainesville and points north), light freezing rain is possible late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. 

This could result in hazardous road conditions, particularly along Interstate 10, as Florida does not typically treat roads with sand or salt. This could cripple traffic in north Florida. 

Remember, "4-wheel drive doesn't mean 4-wheel stop," so expect to see many confident drivers spinning out.

A Winter Storm Watch – the first issued in Florida since January 2018 – is in effect for local regions of Alachua, Dixie, and Gilchrist counties due to the freezing rain/snow threat.

Is snow possible in Florida?

Local perspective:

Snow is possible on elevated surfaces near I-10, with up to 1-5 inches of accumulation in parts of the Florida Panhandle west of Tallahassee. The best chance for freezing rain in the Central Florida region will be in Dunnellon, located in the westernmost part of Marion County.

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:

The Source: This story was written based on information shared by Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Florida State University (FSU).

FloridaWinter WeatherEducation