NORTH FLORIDIANS URGED TO USE CAUTION AS THE NEXT ARCTIC COLD FRONT MAY CAUSE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS FRIDAY

State officials are urging residents and visitors across the Florida Panhandle to use caution as the next cold front may cause slick roads and bridges in rural areas during the overnight period into Friday morning.

“With the very cold rain and near freezing temperatures forecast to accompany the next arctic cold front moving into the state tonight, there is a possibility that some rural bridges and roads may have ice,” said Meteorologist Amy Godsey. “Residents and visitors across the region should use extra caution as they travel early Friday morning.”

Temperatures are expected to plunge once again into the lower 20s across northern Florida Friday night and as low as the mid teens Saturday night. Freezing temperatures will be prevalent south to Lake Okeechobee throughout the weekend.

Freeze and Hard Freeze Warnings will likely be issued for much of North and Central Florida through the weekend.

Floridians and visitors continue to practice the "Five P's" of cold weather safety this weekend. The “5 P’s” are: Protecting People, Protecting Plants, Protecting Pets, Protecting Exposed Pipes, and Practicing Fire Safety.

The following actions are important safety measures:
Stay indoors and use safe heating sources.
Be aware of the fire danger from space heaters and candles, keep such devices away from all flammable materials such as curtains and furniture, and install recommended smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Indoors: Do not use charcoal or other fuel-burning devices, such as grills that produce carbon monoxide. Install at least one carbon monoxide detector per floor in your home.
Outdoors: Stay dry and in wind-protected areas.
Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing.
Drink non-alcoholic fluids.
Shelter or bring inside animals, especially pets.

For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to GET A PLAN!, please visit: www.FloridaDisaster.org. All students, teachers and parents can find educational information and free downloadable materials at: www.KidsGetAPlan.com. And for the latest situation and flash reports go to: www.YouTube.com/FloridaSERT.
###