Live Florida winter storm updates: Snow, ice, forecasts, impacts and more

As a rare winter storm system hits the Sunshine State, Florida is bracing for its impacts. 

LIVE UPDATES:

11:45 p.m. | A cold and raw wind-driven rain will impact most of the region, with Marion, Alachua, and northern Flagler counties seeing icy conditions overnight into Wednesday morning. Between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m., some areas may experience a brief period of sleet, particularly near Ocala, where impacts are possible. Farther north, significant icing from freezing rain, sleet, and even snow is expected in Gainesville and surrounding areas.

Travelers heading north on Interstate 75 from Ocala should prepare for increasingly icy conditions, with many roads in the Panhandle already closed. Around Gainesville, sleet and freezing rain could create hazardous travel conditions.

As the weather system moves away and cold air wraps in behind it, a brief period of sleet or snow flurries could extend as far south as the Interstate 4 corridor, including Orlando, by mid to late morning. However, any wintry precipitation in these areas is expected to be brief and light.

Wednesday will be extremely chilly, with afternoon highs struggling to reach the mid-40s in Orlando and potentially staying in the 30s around Ocala, Palm Coast, and Gainesville. The afternoon will likely be dry but remain cloudy and cold.

10:23 p.m. | FDOT crews are out removing snow and ice along critical Panhandle roads, including Interstate 10.

9:26 p.m. | Record-breaking snowfall is being reported in Pensacola.

9:19 p.m. | U.S. 98 closed in both directions in Apalachicola from the Apalachicola River to Adams St. due to unsafe winter weather

9 p.m. | FOX Weather correspondent Brandy Campbell is in New Orleans where nearly 10 inches of snow has fallen.

8:54 p.m. | Walton County sheriff's deputies assist FHP with closure of I-10.

7:24 p.m. | Florida Highway Patrol closes portion of Intersate 10 in the Florida Panhandle: 

6:57 p.m. | FOX 35 Storm Team Meteorologist T.J. Springer says the Thunder Truck is coming across snow with accumulations around 2-4 inches.

6:07 p.m. | The FOX 35 Storm Team Thunder Truck is making its way across the Florida Panhandle.

5:17 p.m. | National Weather Service issues updates on the historic Gulf Coast winter storm and extreme cold temperatures. 

5 p.m. | The Naval Air Station in Pensacola reports heavy snow fall.

12 p.m. | Lake Pontchartrain in New Orleans sees its first accumulating snowfall on Tuesday.

11 a.m. | Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency Monday ahead of the system, which is expected to bring snow and ice to parts of the southeastern United States, including northern Florida. He provided an update on the storm's expected impacts.

The order followed President Donald Trump's inaugural remarks and referred to the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America."

The order activates the National Guard and Florida Guard, as needed to respond to the emergency, and allows the governor to "suspend the effect of any statute, rule, or order that would in any way prevent, hinder or delay any mitigation, response, or recovery action necessary to cope with this emergency."

DeSantis held a press conference Tuesday morning from the state’s Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee to give updates on the approaching storm system.

In the press conference, DeSantis said the expected conditions in north Florida are projected to constitute a major disaster.

9 a.m. | The Florida Department of Transportation has already started mobilizing snow plows, de-icing equipment and spray rigs across north Florida in anticipation of icy conditions.

Wednesday winter storm updates

In Florida, winter storm and freeze warnings both remain in place, and snow and freezing rain also is expected overnight.

Central Florida will see a cold rain with temperatures well below normal. Be sure to have an extra layer on, and keep the umbrella handy. 

From Ocala to Palm Coast, freezing precipitation is forecast. 

Will it snow on Wednesday night in Florida? 

Portions of Florida are under a rare winter storm warning, with light snow and freezing rain projected to fall over North Florida through Wednesday morning.

The winter storm, which is sweeping across the southeast, brought frigid temperatures and heavy snow to parts of the Florida Panhandle.

Both a winter storm and freeze warning remain in place for areas north of Marion County. 

How will the winter weather impact travel?

The far western Florida Panhandle is where the highest snowfall totals have been reported. Some areas have seen more than six inches of snow, which can cause serious travel issues. This means Orlando International Airport could have weather delays on Wednesday.

If you have flight plans today, make sure to check your flight status with the airline before heading to the airport. 

How to drive safely in snow

The approaching winter weather will also present hazardous driving conditions on Tuesday night and into Wednesday.

With the expected snowfall, here are some tips to help you drive safely in winter conditions:

  • Always drive slowly - adjust your speed as there could be lower traction when driving on snow or ice.
  • Accelerate and decelerate gradually - Apply the gas gently to maintain traction and prevent skids. Avoid sudden starts and take your time slowing down for stoplights. Keep in mind that stopping on icy roads takes longer.
  • Increase your following distance - Maintain a gap of five to six seconds between your vehicle and the one in front. This extra distance provides the time needed to stop safely on slippery surfaces.
  • Understand your brakes - Whether your car has antilock brakes or not, keep your heel on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply steady, firm pressure to the brake pedal.
  • Avoid stopping when possible - Starting from a full stop requires more effort than moving while still rolling. If approaching a red light, slow down enough to keep rolling until it turns green.
  • Don’t use extra power on hills - Pressing the gas pedal harder on snow-covered roads can cause your wheels to spin. Instead, build up some momentum on a flat road before reaching the hill and let that carry you upward. Reduce your speed as you crest the hill and descend slowly.
  • Keep moving uphill - Stopping on an icy incline makes it difficult to regain traction and start moving again. Build momentum on a level surface before tackling the hill.

A complete list of tips for driving in winter weather can be found here.

How will the arctic air impact schools?

In preparation for the winter weather, school districts, colleges, and universities are closing their doors ahead of the storm.

A full list of the schools impacted can be found here.

Will theme parks remain open?

SeaWorld Orlando was one of the first of the theme parks to announce closure due to the approaching storm system.

Officials said the park would close at 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Disney's Blizzard Beach also announced a closure for Monday and Tuesday. The water park is expected to open back up Wednesday.

However, low temperatures and rain are expected to occur in the Walt Disney World area for the rest of the week, so the two-day closure could be extended.

Cold weather shelters opening

Across Florida, cold weather shelters are beginning to open to help protect residents from the harsh conditions.

Orange County

  • Matthew's Hope: 611 Business Park Blvd., Winter Garden
  • Open 24/7 through Thursday
  • Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner

Brevard County

  • Matthew's Hope: 825 Forrest Ave., Cocoa
  • Open 24/7 through Thursday
  • Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • LifePointe Ministries: Titusville Civic Center, 4220 S. Hopkins Ave.
  • Open 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Serving dinner and breakfast

Flagler County

  • The Rock Transformation Center: 2200 North State St., Bunnell
  • Open through Tuesday, 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.
  • Transportation is available. Call (386) 437-3258, Ext. 105 for more information.

Volusia County

  • The Bridge: Neighborhood Center, 421 S. Palmetto Ave., DeLand
  • Opens Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. to 8 a.m.
  • Breakfast provided
  • Contact (386) 734-8120, Ext. 601 for more information.

Orlando 7-Day Weather Forecast

FOX 35 Storm Tracker Radar and Live Weather Cameras

Track live when storms move across your area using the FOX 35 Storm Tracker Radar below. You can also watch as heavy rain moves across Central Florida on our Live Weather Cameras' page here

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The Source: This story was written based on previous reporting, as well as information shared by the FOX 35 Storm Team. 

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