Temperatures Friday night will plummet into the 20s tonight across North Florida and hard freeze warnings have been posted as far south as Ocala. Temperatures are expected to remain above freezing levels from Orlando to Tampa southward. However, winds will be strong and will produce wind chill values in the mid 10s across North Florida, low 20s across Central Florida, and upper 20s across South Florida. Hard Freeze conditions could harm or kill vegetation, exposed pipes, automobiles and any small to medium animals that remain outdoors. Please use the 5-P's of cold weather safety tonight.
Scattered to isolated showers are expected across the Florida Big Bend, Northeast and Central Florida in advance of the front and rainfall will be light in nature, totaling less than 0.25 inches across the state. A light wintery mix of sleet is possible in a small strip of land south of Gainesville reaching to St. Augustine, but should be light enough to prevent any widespread problems. Overnight, rainfall will be shifting to Central and South Florida where rainfall accumulations will max out at 0.5 inches. No severe weather is expected.
Relative humidity values will drop below critical thresholds this afternoon in the western panhandle and Florida Big Bend, will enhance the spread of wildfires should they occur, and will warrant a red flag warning and a fire weather watch for the region.
There is a moderate rip current risk for East-Central Florida beaches today due to long period swells. Be sure to check local conditions when arriving to beaches in this region today.
To access the latest watches, warnings, and advisories from the National Weather Service for your county, please click here. To access the latest watches, warnings, and advisories from the
National Weather Service for your county, please click here.
Weather Images Courtesy of Weather Services International
Friday, January 8, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
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.
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“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.
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Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Governor Crist Issues Executive Order Number 10-01 Due to Cold Weather Outbreak
Please click on the link below to see Executive Order 10-01, regarding the declaration of a State of Emergency due to freezing temperatures across Florida. This declaration will ensure that timely precautions are taken to protect Florida’s agricultural crops and citrus. Link: http://tiny.cc/Q7Zmc
URBAN AREAS SECURITY INITIATIVE (UASI) NONPROFIT SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM ANNOUNCED
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced eligibility of nonprofit organizations located in Florida’s five Urban Areas to apply for funds as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). This grant program will provide more than $19 million nationwide to eligible 501(c) (3) entities to provide funding support for target-hardening activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack. This program seeks to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts.
Individual organizations in Florida may apply for up to $75,000. Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations through the Florida Division of Emergency Management, which is the only agency in Florida eligible to apply for the grant directly with DHS.
Nonprofit organizations must develop investment justifications that address each initiative proposed for funding. These Investment Justifications must demonstrate how proposed projects address gaps and deficiencies in current programs and capabilities. The Investment Justification must demonstrate the ability to provide enhancements consistent with the purpose of the program and guidance provided by FEMA. Applicants must ensure that the Investment Justification is consistent with all applicable requirements outlined in the application kit. Applicants may only submit one Investment Justification on behalf of their nonprofit organization in order to be considered for funding.
The federal grant funds may only be used for “target-hardening activities”, which can be accomplished through training or the purchase and/or installation of security equipment on real property owned or leased by the nonprofit organization. Additionally, nonprofit organization security personnel may use NSGP funds to attend security-related training courses and programs.
Not all eligible nonprofit organizations are guaranteed to receive funding under the FY 2010 NSGP. Final allocation decisions will be made by DHS and will be based on risk assessments and how well applicants address program requirements through their investment justifications.
Nonprofit organizations must submit applications through the Florida Division of Emergency Management to be considered eligible for an award of up to $75,000. Nonprofit organizations must agree to match 25 percent of the federal grant through cash or in-kind contributions, which may include training investments related to use of equipment purchased with the grant, or training investments related to general purpose security and emergency preparedness for staff.
Applications must be e-mailed to the Division no later than February 19, 2010 complete with point of contact information in the event the applicant is awarded. For more information on the FY 2010 UASI NSGP, please contact Tina Quick at (850) 413-9974 or e-mail Tina.Quick@em.myflorida.com
Individual organizations in Florida may apply for up to $75,000. Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations through the Florida Division of Emergency Management, which is the only agency in Florida eligible to apply for the grant directly with DHS.
Nonprofit organizations must develop investment justifications that address each initiative proposed for funding. These Investment Justifications must demonstrate how proposed projects address gaps and deficiencies in current programs and capabilities. The Investment Justification must demonstrate the ability to provide enhancements consistent with the purpose of the program and guidance provided by FEMA. Applicants must ensure that the Investment Justification is consistent with all applicable requirements outlined in the application kit. Applicants may only submit one Investment Justification on behalf of their nonprofit organization in order to be considered for funding.
The federal grant funds may only be used for “target-hardening activities”, which can be accomplished through training or the purchase and/or installation of security equipment on real property owned or leased by the nonprofit organization. Additionally, nonprofit organization security personnel may use NSGP funds to attend security-related training courses and programs.
Not all eligible nonprofit organizations are guaranteed to receive funding under the FY 2010 NSGP. Final allocation decisions will be made by DHS and will be based on risk assessments and how well applicants address program requirements through their investment justifications.
Nonprofit organizations must submit applications through the Florida Division of Emergency Management to be considered eligible for an award of up to $75,000. Nonprofit organizations must agree to match 25 percent of the federal grant through cash or in-kind contributions, which may include training investments related to use of equipment purchased with the grant, or training investments related to general purpose security and emergency preparedness for staff.
Applications must be e-mailed to the Division no later than February 19, 2010 complete with point of contact information in the event the applicant is awarded. For more information on the FY 2010 UASI NSGP, please contact Tina Quick at (850) 413-9974 or e-mail Tina.Quick@em.myflorida.com
Sunday, January 3, 2010
ARCTIC COLD FRONT BRINGS BELOW-FREEZING TEMPERATURES TO FLORIDA THIS WEEK
State officials are urging residents, visitors and agricultural interests throughout Florida to prepare for temperatures near or below the freezing mark throughout this entire week. Temperatures could reach the lower 20s away from the coast across northern Florida and near the freezing mark as far south as Lake Okeechobee.“An arctic cold front has moved through the state this weekend and this has resulted in much cooler morning temperatures. The cold air-mass will produce a widespread freeze across much of Florida through the entire week,” said Meteorologist Amy Godsey. “Residents and visitors across the state should prepare for an unusually long period of freezing or subfreezing temperatures each morning that could harm vegetation, pipes, animals and people.”
Durations of freezing temperatures will range from 5-7 hours inland and 2-4 hours near the coast. Freeze Warnings could be issued for a large portion of Florida, with Hard Freeze Warnings likely for much of North Florida through the middle or latter parts of this week.
Residents and visitors should remember the "Five P's" of cold weather safety. 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.
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson is also reminding people to take measures to protect their pets during the extreme cold, including bringing them inside if possible or at least providing proper shelter outdoors. Bronson says his department is keeping a close eye on the weather to determine whether there will be an impact on any crops but the jury is still out. "Our farmers have some methods to protect their crops but it really comes down to not only how low the temperatures get but also how long the extreme cold lasts," Bronson said. "We will continue monitoring the situation throughout the week." Anyone interested in weather updates for agriculture can log onto http://ag-er.blogspot.com/.
For more information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management and to GET A PLAN!, please visit: http://www.floridadisaster.org/. All students, teachers and parents can find educational information and free downloadable materials at: http://www.kidsgetaplan.com/. And for the latest situation and flash reports go to: www.YouTube.com/FloridaSERT.
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