(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)
Severe cold weather has hit Bay County. Schools are closed Tuesday and Wednesday, as are county government offices. Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency and experts say this could be one of the worst winter storms the Gulf Coast has experienced. Tuesday night, the sheriff’s office said all roads and bridges should be considered unsafe and impassable until further notice.
Follow along here today as we provide the latest information.
7 p.m. Tuesday: Bay County Sheriff’s Office announces that all roadways and bridges should be considered unsafe
A Facebook post by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office echoes an AlertBay notification received by local residents. The message: All roads and bridges are currently considered unsafe.
The advisory is in effect until further notice. BCSO clarified that this is not a curfew, but strongly advised all residents to suspend or delay all travel. The agency says conditions are increasingly dangerous for motorists.
The post goes on to say that only emergency vehicles should be travelling on roads in Bay County until conditions improve. The agency further added that 6 inches of snowfall is in the forecast for the area.
Bay County will continue monitoring road conditions, with BCSO saying it will make updates as soon as information becomes available.
Snowstorm hits Panama City Beach
A flurry hit Bay County on Tuesday afternoon. By about 5 p.m., areas of Panama City Beach near Frank Brown Park were covered with snow.
— Nathan Cobb
A record breaking storm
Pensacola has likely broken the state’s 130-year-old record for total snowfall. Here’s the story.
Tuesday afternoon National Weather Service update
The National Weather Service forecasting office out of Tallahassee advised locals in a Facebook post on Tuesday afternoon.
The agency warns of the possibility of near-whiteout conditions along a band stretching from the Gulf coast to Alabama. Gusty winds of 25-30 mph combined with blowing snow could cause limited visibility.
“This could quickly become a very dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation if out driving,” said the NWS in its post. “Especially if you get stranded without protection from the cold or a winter survival kit.”
It’s snowing, Florida!Residents share photos, video. See webcams, latest conditions
The new warning is because of a zone of better lift taking shape over the Panhandle, which could lead to potentially heavy snow as it moves eastward.
The new forecast for snow and sleet amounts for Panama City show 3 to 4 inches through the night, with some parts of Bay County potentially seeing up to 6 inches.
The update includes a list of what should be in a winter survival kit:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Snow shovel
- Ice scraper (with brush)
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Non-perishable food
- Bottled water
- Booster cables
- Extra clothing (cold weather)
- Sand or kitty litter for traction
- Cell phone and charger
- Flares, triangles, or other bright objects
— Dylan Gentile
Restaurant and store closures in Bay County
The Grand Marlin will be closed Tuesday, Jan 21 due to weather conditions.
Texas Roadhouse is closed Tuesday, Jan 21, due to weather conditions.
Pier Park North has closed stores due to weather.
— DeonTay Smith
FSU PC, Bay District Schools closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Bay District Schools are closed Tuesday and Wednesday due to weather. Likewise, there will be no extracurricular activities for Bay District Schools Tuesday and Wednesday.
“We understand that school schedule changes can be difficult for our families, staff, and the community, but our top priority is ensuring the safety of our students and employees as this weather system moves through.” BDS said in a Facebook post. “We appreciate your patience and support as we continue to monitor conditions and will provide updates as needed.”
Florida State University Panama City also is closed Jan. 21-22 due to weather. The university will resume classes and normal business operations at 7 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, with classes at 8 a.m.
“Students are encouraged to keep a watch on local weather alerts.” FSU PC said in a press release. “Updates will be posted on FSU PC social media, and the university will be sending separate notices to students. Students should monitor their email and Canvas class sites for information from their instructors.”
— DeonTay Smith
Update on bridges from BCSO
Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford spoke to the press ahead of what’s set to be a historic winter storm in Panama City.
Ford echoed the sentiment of other county officials and urged residents to stay off of the roads until conditions improve. He said this could be a great experience for kids and families to play in the snow, as long as they stay home.
He confirmed that the BCSO will have extra deputies in place to deal with emergencies during the storm.
Bridges in Bay County remain open as of Tuesday afternoon, but that is subject to change, according to Ford. The major bridges in the area are the responsibility of the Florida Department of Transportation, which will make the call to close them depending on the situation. The county intends to do the same with its bridges, and will make the call as the situation evolves.
Officials explained to reporters that it is easier for the bridge to ice over in winter weather conditions as opposed to other roadways.
“It can be a serious situation if you try to go over that bridge and lose traction,” said Ford.
When they do make the call on whether or not to close bridges, the county will communicate this with residents over multiple platforms, said Ford. They plan on working with local media, putting out notifications via AlertBay, and posting on their social media channels.
In the event bridges are closed, they won’t be barricaded or blocked, according to Ford.
— Dylan Gentile
Bay County chief of emergency services advises public ahead of storm
Bay County Chief of Emergency Services Matthew Lindewirth spoke on the impending winter storm during a press conference Tuesday morning.
With an anticipated 1 to 4 inches of wintery precipitation, the county is making preparations for what could be a messy situation on the roads. Lindewirth urged residents to stay off of the roadways and indoors until conditions improve.
He says first responders will still be working; however, he asks residents to be patient on response times as they anticipate mobility issues on the roads. In conjunction with this, he emphasized that residents should only utilize 911 in case of a true emergency.
Lindewirth added that those trying to brave the roadways can actually make the situation more difficult for first responders. He said that the county doesn’t have snowplows or a way to clear the roads, and when cars go over snow or sleet over the course of the day it can create a sheet of ice. The ice can make it more difficult for emergency vehicles to move safely.
Additionally, he added that those in need of an ambulance will likely be brought to the nearest hospital as opposed to one of their choosing. Dangerous roadways and a potential for bridge closures means they will be limited in where they can safely take you.
Lindewirth urges residents to keep generators outside. Generators produce a deadly carbon monoxide gas, which is colorless, odorless, and quickly becomes fatal in an enclosed space.
“You’re gonna be dead if you put it inside, to be blunt,” said Lindewirth. “It’s an unfortunate way to lose an entire family.”
He further advised that residents should avoid walking out onto ice-covered surfaces to avoid a fall resulting in an injury.
Officials also noted that they’re working closely with Florida Power and Light as well as other electric providers to respond quickly in the event of power outages. Lindewirth said FPL staged additional utility workers in Bay County ahead of the storm.
“I can’t tell you we have a plan for a major snowstorm, but we will after this,” said Lindewirth.
He commended county staff for their knowledge in disaster response, insinuating that the county retained some wisdom from the historic 1989 snow event as well as the freeze of 2014.
— Dylan Gentile
Government buildings to close across Bay County
City halls across Bay County are slated to temporarily close in response to this week’s winter storm. Here’s what we know:
- Panama City City Hall will close at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, remain closed all day Wednesday and reopen at 8 a.m. on Thursday.
- Panama City Beach City Hall was closed all day Tuesday and Wednesday. It will reopen at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday
- Lynn Haven City Hall will close at 1 p.m on Tuesday, remain closed all day Wednesday and reopen at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday.
- Callaway City Hall will close at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, remain closed all day Wednesday and reopen at 8 a.m. on Thursday.
- Parker City Hall will close at noon on Tuesday, remain closed all day Wednesday and reopen at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday.
- Mexico Beach City Hall will close at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, remain closed all day Wednesday and reopen at 8 a.m. on Thursday.
− Nathan Cobb
National Weather Service updates for Bay County, Florida
As Bay County residents are preparing for a historic freeze to set in, here’s a look at updates from the National Weather Service.
The county is under a cold weather advisory, extreme cold warning, and winter storm warning. The cold weather advisory is set to expire at 11 a.m. The weather service advises that dangerously cold wind chills as low as 7 are expected.
The warning goes on to say that frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. Pipes could also rupture as a result of the prolonged cold. The warning will be in effect from midnight tonight into Wednesday morning.
The latest:Florida winter storm for the ages coming. Record snow, ice expected. Forecast
The weather service advises residents to dress appropriately, keep pets indoors, and check on older friends and relatives. Outdoor pipes should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly to prevent rupture.
The winter storm warning will be in effect from noon Tuesday until noon Wednesday. Forecasters say snow and sleet accumulations up to 4 inches and ice accumulations up to under an inch are possible.
Roads can slick over and become dangerous. Power outages could occur due to the weight of snow or ice on power lines and tree limbs.
The NWS is urging residents to remain indoors until conditions improve. It further advises that those who do venture out wear layers and keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicle in case of an emergency.
The agency says motorists should allow more time to get to their destination, leave ample space between themselves and the car in front of them, avoid sudden acceleration or breaking, and exercise caution on hills and while making turns.
There’s a 100% chance of precipitation today, with most of Bay County expected to get a wintery mix of snow, rain and sleet. A high near 38 is expected this afternoon before dropping to 21 this evening. Winds are headed north around 15 mph with gusts as high as 25 mph.
A daytime accumulation of around an inch of snow and sleet is possible. New accumulations of around 2 inches are expected tonight.
The precipitation is expected to let up on Wednesday; however, wind chill values as low as 10 are expected. Gusty winds should persist through the day with a high of 37 and a low of 24.
Temperatures are projected to climb back up on Thursday through the remainder of the week with no projected precipitation.
In a Facebook post, the NWS forecasting office out of Tallahassee posted a graphic which depicts Panama City seeing wintery mix accumulations starting around 2 p.m. The post shows the earliest possible start between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
— Dylan Gentile
(This story was updated to add new information)