Current Situation and Weather Update
Frigid Temperatures Statewide... Mostly Sunny and Dry Conditions in the Forecast for Today... Elevated Wildfire Risk Statewide... Freeze and Hard Freeze Warnings Expected Tonight...
Updated 8:00 AM EST Sunday
A very cold airmass has settled over the region. Despite abundantly sunny skies today, high temperatures will only rise into the low to mid 50s in North Florida, the mid 50s in Central Florida, and the upper 50s to low 60s throughout South Florida.
With high pressure in place over the state, very dry conditions will lead to an elevated risk of wildfires statewide. Although Red Flag Warnings have not been issued for the Sunshine State, conditions will promote the development and spread of fires today. Brush fires can start easily from most causes and unattended fires are likely to escape in dry fuels. Additionally, fires may start rapidly today and short distance spreading of embers will be possible. Outdoor burning may be prohibited in your area.
Freezing temperatures are once again expected tonight as calm winds and clear skies allow the temperatures to plummet after sunset. Lows are expected to fall into the low to mid 20s throughout inland areas of the Florida Big Bend, northern Peninsula, and Nature Coast. The rest of North Florida will stay near freezing throughout the night. Temperatures at or below freezing can be expected as far south as the Lake Okeechobee area while the normally warmer and urban areas of East Central Florida and South Florida stay in the upper 30s to low 40s. Southeast Florida will be the warmest tonight as lows remain in the mid to upper 40s. As a result of these frigid temperatures, Freeze Warnings and Hard Freeze Warnings will likely be in place throughout North and Central Florida tonight. These near or below freezing temperatures will be very dangerous and actions should be taken to ensure that sensitive vegetation and exposed water pipes are protected from these temperatures. Children, the elderly, and outdoor pets are especially vulnerable to the cold. In addition, it is equally important to practice fire safety if you want to light a fire to stay warm.
Many Panhandle rivers and streams continue to rise in the wake of recent rainfall. River Flood Warnings are in effect for the Chipola, Apalachicola, Escambia and Choctawhatchee Rivers. Most rivers are forecast to continue to recede and remain in minor flood stage today, but the Choctawhatchee River near Bruce and Ebro is forecast to remain in moderate flood stage through the week.
National Weather Service
Florida Statewide Tornado Drill Postponed To Friday, February 15
Florida’s statewide tornado drill has been rescheduled to take place on Friday, February 15, 2013, at 10:10 a.m. Eastern Time due to the chance of severe weather in North Florida on Wednesday. Floridians are reminded to monitor local weather conditions and heed all instructions from local officials.
School districts, private schools, preschools and daycare centers are urged to participate in the drill. The simulated tornado warning will be broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio and will be encoded as a weekly test for this drill. All procedures for the drill remain the same. For more information, please visit www.FloridaDisaster.org/SWAW.
Florida Statewide Tornado Drill Postponed To Friday
FDEM's 2013 Severe Weather Awareness Week Tour Begins
~Seven poster contest winners to be recognized in five day tour~
Governor Rick Scott proclaimed February 11-15 as 2013 Severe Weather Awareness Week in Florida. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) will celebrate 2013 Severe Weather Awareness Week with a five-day, seven city tour to recognize each of the seven poster contest winners and raise awareness about emergency preparedness in Florida. The goal of the 2013 Severe Weather Awareness Week campaign is to promote preparedness for all types of hazards to Florida’s citizens and communities.
“We are excited to bring Severe Weather Awareness Week to each region of the state as we work towards building a culture of preparedness in Florida through our students,” said FDEM Director Bryan W. Koon. “As we visit each school, we hope to reach beyond their doors and into the communities to ensure all of Florida’s families and businesses are prepared for severe weather that can impact Florida any time of year.”
Games, prizes and special guests will highlight the importance of severe weather awareness in Florida as students learn how to recognize and be prepared for potential disasters that may impact them and their families. FDEM kicked off Severe Weather Awareness Week last week at the Florida State Fair in Tampa with Professor Nibmus Tinkermesiter of Kids Get a Plan and FDEM staff to spread the word about disaster preparedness and this week’s events.
FDEM's 2013 Severe Weather Awareness Week Tour Begins
2013 Severe Weather Awareness Week Winners Announced
~Online voting for Video PSA Contest through March 1st~
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) announces the winners of the 2013 Severe Weather Awareness Week poster contest and the finalists in the Video Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest. More than 1,000 students from across Florida participated in the Severe Weather Awareness Week Contests.
“The Severe Weather Awareness Week contests are an opportunity for young people from around the state to learn what they can do to be prepared for hazards that affect their communities and to build a culture of preparedness in Florida,” said FDEM Director Bryan W. Koon. “I want to thank each student who submitted an entry to this year’s contests, and congratulate each winner and finalist.”
Winners for the elementary school poster contest were selected from each of the seven regions for FDEM. Poster contest winners will be honored at an event in their school during the 2013 Severe Weather Awareness Week, February 11 - 15.
FDEM is encouraging the public to play a role in this year’s 2013 Severe Weather Awareness Week Video PSA contest. For the month of February, Floridians will have a chance to vote on their favorite video PSA from among the finalists listed. To vote visit the Kids Get A Plan Facebook page, www.facebook.com/KidsGetAPlan.
To view the list of poster contest winners and video finalists, visit http://www.floridadisaster.org/SWAW/
2013 Severe Weather Awareness Week Winners Announced
For the Latest Information on Road Closures, Please Visit the Following
NOAA Weather Radio
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards
(NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather
information directly from the nearest
National Weather Service office
. NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other
hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Updated:
February 12, 2013 10:19
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