Weather Update: EMA Director: Precipitation key variable in weather

Published 4:30 pm Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Escambia County EMA Director David Adams said this afternoon that the local area is currently under a Winter Weather Advisory until 6 a.m., Wednesday.

“We will see temperatures well below freezing tonight with a rebound of only a few degrees above freezing for a very short time tomorrow to allow for clearing,” he said. “Wednesday night is forecast to be in the teens, so the conditions may not get much better.”

Adams said the big unknown variable in the equation is the precipitation.

“The forecast calls for some wintry mix and possibly some snow beginning in our area in the early evening hours,” he said. “With the temperatures falling all afternoon and evening, whatever does fall will likely freeze and make travel hazardous.”

The area is also under a Hard Freeze Warning and Wind Chill Advisory, he said.

“Please take appropriate precautions to protect humans, pets, and properties from extremely cold conditions,” he said. “Bridge and roadways may become icy as temperatures drop below freezing.”

Adams said bridges will freeze before the road surface and may surprise drivers.

“Ice cannot be seen on the road surface,” he said. “Please do not drive in these conditions if you can avoid it. If you must drive, do so with an abundance of caution.”