Florida emergency management officials urge residents to prepare as a powerful cold front brings the coldest weather of the season

Tallahassee, Florida – As a powerful cold front moves steadily toward Florida, state emergency officials are urging residents and visitors to take the threat seriously and prepare for what is expected to be the coldest stretch of weather this winter. The Florida Division of Emergency Management is warning that the incoming system could bring rare and potentially dangerous cold conditions to large portions of the state, including areas unaccustomed to prolonged low temperatures.

Forecasters say the cold front will begin pushing into Florida late Friday night and continue through the weekend and into early next week. Temperatures are expected to drop sharply behind the front, with some regions experiencing conditions not seen in more than a decade. Officials emphasize that preparation now can prevent injuries, property damage, and even loss of life.

“Cold temperatures can pose serious risks for Florida residents who are not prepared,” said FDEM Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “As colder conditions move across the state, I encourage everyone to follow the Five P’s of Cold Weather Preparedness by protecting people, pets, pipes and plants, while also practicing fire safety. Taking these simple but important steps can help keep families safe and prevent unnecessary damage during cold weather.”

According to emergency management officials, colder air will begin arriving Friday night into Saturday morning, with overnight low temperatures plunging into the 20s in parts of the state. Wind chills are expected to make conditions feel even colder, with some areas seeing values fall into the teens. As arctic air continues to surge southward through Saturday and Sunday, the state could experience its coldest weather of the season, and potentially the coldest conditions Central and South Florida have seen since 2010.

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Strong and gusty winds will accompany the system, intensifying the cold across Florida. Wind chills could dip into the single digits in North Florida, with Central Florida experiencing wind chills in the teens to 20s. Even South Florida and the Florida Keys are expected to feel unseasonably cold, with wind chills dropping into the 20s and 30s. Officials warn that these conditions can be especially dangerous for those spending extended time outdoors or using unsafe heating methods indoors.

Emergency management leaders are encouraging Floridians to take proactive steps to reduce cold-related risks both at home and outside. This includes preparing heating systems, dressing appropriately for cold weather, and ensuring homes are equipped with working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Officials note that cold snaps in Florida often lead to an increase in house fires caused by improper use of space heaters, fireplaces, and alternative heat sources.

A central part of the state’s preparedness messaging is the reminder to follow the Five P’s of Cold Weather Preparedness. Protecting people means limiting time outdoors during the coldest periods, wearing warm, layered clothing, and using heating sources safely. Protecting pets involves bringing animals indoors whenever possible and making sure they have a warm, dry shelter away from cold winds and freezing temperatures.

Protecting plants is also important, especially for residents who keep sensitive vegetation outdoors. Officials recommend covering plants or moving them indoors to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. Protecting pipes is another key step, as frozen pipes can burst and cause costly water damage. Insulating exposed pipes and allowing faucets to drip slightly during extreme cold can help reduce this risk.

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Fire safety is the final and often most critical component of cold weather preparedness. Emergency officials stress that space heaters should always be plugged directly into wall outlets and kept a safe distance from flammable materials. Heaters, candles, and fireplaces should never be left unattended. Residents are warned not to use ovens, stoves, grills, or generators to heat homes, as these practices can lead to fires or dangerous carbon monoxide buildup.

Fireplaces should be properly vented, chimneys should be maintained regularly, and only firewood should be burned. Smoke detectors should be installed on every level of the home and tested frequently. Homes with gas appliances are strongly encouraged to have carbon monoxide detectors installed and functioning.

State officials say preparation is especially important for vulnerable populations, including older adults, young children, and those without adequate heating. Neighbors are encouraged to check on one another, particularly during overnight hours when temperatures are expected to be at their lowest.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management will continue monitoring conditions as the cold front moves through the state and will share updates as needed. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official sources and to take warnings seriously, even if cold weather is unfamiliar.

For the latest weather updates and additional information on severe weather preparedness, residents can visit FloridaDisaster.org. Officials also recommend following FDEM on Instagram and X at @FLSERT, and on Facebook at @FDEM, for real-time alerts and safety guidance as the cold front approaches.