Escambia County Winter Weather Update

Escambia County is under an extreme cold warning through Thursday morning, Jan. 23, according to the National Weather Service Mobile, Alabama. Wind chills and air temperatures will drop as low as 10 degrees. Although sunny conditions have melted some of the snow, ice is expected to form after sunset, leading to icy roadways. Residents are strongly urged to stay off the roadways. All roads and bridges in Escambia County should be considered impassable until further notice due to hazardous driving conditions.

Emergency vehicles should be the only vehicles on the road until further notice. Road conditions will remain hazardous as the melted snow turns into ice.

Additional County Updates:

• Public Safety is continuing to operate and respond to emergency calls.
• County offices are closed through Friday, Jan. 24.
• Escambia County Fire Rescue has responded to several calls for burst pipes due to the cold weather. Residents are reminded to cover pipes and allow outdoor faucets to slowly drip to prevent them from freezing and breaking.
• County Public Works crews have been working throughout Escambia County to clear snow from roads and bridges to make them accessible for emergency vehicles to respond to calls.

In preparation for below-freezing temperatures, residents should practice the five Ps of cold weather safety:

• Protect People: Remember to dress in layers and wear a hat and gloves. It is important to try to stay out of the wind and to stay dry. Also, remember to check on young children, elderly family members and neighbors who are the most sensitive to cold weather. If the temperature cannot be maintained at home, make temporary arrangements to stay elsewhere, including with friends and family.
• Protect Pets: If cold weather is in the forecast, be sure to bring outdoor pets inside or give them a warm shelter to stay in.
• Protect Plants: Cover cold-sensitive plants to protect them from dangerous temperatures.
• Protect Pipes: Cover pipes and allow outdoor faucets to slowly drip to prevent them from freezing and breaking.
• Practice Fire Safety: Use safe heating sources indoors. Do not use fuel-burning devices such as grills; they release carbon monoxide, which is a deadly gas. Also, make sure to use space heaters according to their instructions and be attentive to open flames.

I-10 Closure Alert from FDOT:

• Beginning 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, FDOT will close I-10 from the Alabama/Florida state line to exit 192 (U.S. Highway 90) in Gadsden County in both directions due to hazardous road conditions. Please seek alternative routes until further notice. Conditions can change rapidly or bring unexpected circumstances. Unless travel is necessary, it is advised to stay off the roads.

For the latest information from the City of Pensacola, click here.