How to stay safe as dangerous cold grips much of the country
Your risk of hypothermia or frostbite will be skyrocketing as temperatures plunge and winds ramp up. Here’s how to keep yourself and the most vulnerable safe.
Many Florida schools are closed and officials are warning residents to stay off the roads.
Freezing temperatures across the Panhandle arrived Thursday, Jan. 23, as predicted, bringing dangerous conditions to several highways, especially in Florida’s Panhandle.
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Almost 200 miles of Interstate 10 remained closed early Thursday after overnight temperatures froze snow and ice that managed to melt Wednesday.
Weather alerts issued in Florida, including winter storm and freeze warnings
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Interstate 10 closed from state line to Tallahassee
On Wednesday night, the Florida Department of Transportation posted on the social platform X (formerly known as Twitter) that a large section of I-10 was closed in both directions from 7 p.m. until further notice.
The interstate is closed from the Alabama/Florida state line to U.S. 90 (exit 192) just west of Tallahassee, a distance of almost 200 miles.
“Remaining snow, ice, and water on the roadway combined with incoming hard freeze temperatures overnight resulting in icy and dangerous conditions on bridges and roadways” prompted the road closure, FDOT said.
“Please seek alternative routes until further notice. With conditions changing rapidly and bringing unexpected circumstances, stay put and off the roads for your safety.”
US 90 closed in Okaloosa County, Florida
At 5 a.m. Thursday, FDOT announced U.S. 90 from Mount Olive Road to Shoal River is closed “due to winter weather conditions.
“AVOID DRIVING AT THIS TIME as conditions continue to deteriorate.”
US 98, Pensacola Bay Bridge closed
At 4 a.m., FDOT posted a “major travel alert” for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
“U.S. 98 West/Pensacola Bay Bridge is closed due to winter weather conditions,” the agency said.
Interactive map: See current road closures in Florida
➤ Get latest info on road closures at fl511.com.
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