Residents Encouraged to Monitor Potential Severe Cold Weather

Escambia County residents are encouraged to monitor potential severe cold weather beginning Sunday, Jan. 25 into early next week, in addition to potential strong to severe thunderstorms in the forecast on Sunday.

Extreme Cold:

• According to the National Weather Service of Mobile, an Extreme Cold Watch is in effect for Escambia County from late Sunday night through Monday morning, with another very cold night expected Monday night into Tuesday morning.
• Temperatures will fall rapidly Sunday evening. Overnight lows are expected to drop into the teens to low 20s, with dangerous wind chills.

Severe Storms:

• Escambia County is included in a Marginal Risk for strong to possibly severe storms on Sunday.
• Primary hazards include damaging wind gusts, with a brief tornado possible.
• The greatest potential for strong storms is noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, with the best window between 3-6 p.m.

Note: Although some areas west and north of the Escambia County area may see minor black ice concerns, this is not currently expected for Escambia County.<_o3a_p>

Residents are urged to take winter weather precautions and remain weather-alert.

Local cold weather shelters will open their doors beginning Sunday, Jan. 25. Click here for more information.

For additional weather information, visit the NWS website.

Five P's of Cold Weather Safety

Remember the five P's of cold weather preparedness:

• Protect People: Remember to dress in layers and wear a hat and gloves. It is important to try to stay out of the wind and to stay dry. Also, remember to check on young children, elderly family members and neighbors who are the most sensitive to cold weather. If the temperature cannot be maintained at home, make temporary arrangements to stay elsewhere, including with friends and family.
• Protect Pets: If cold weather is in the forecast, bring outdoor pets inside or give them a warm shelter.
• Protect Plants: Cover cold-sensitive plants to protect them from dangerous temperatures.
• Protect Pipes: Cover pipes and allow outdoor faucets to slowly drip to prevent them from freezing and breaking.
• Practice Fire Safety: Use safe heating sources indoors. Do not use fuel-burning devices such as grills; they release carbon monoxide, a deadly gas. Also, use space heaters according to their instructions and be attentive to open flames.
  

For cold weather safety tips, visit the Escambia County website.