Florida under State of Emergency ahead of winter weather, dangerous cold temperatures
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for the state of Florida ahead of a major winter storm sweeping across the southeast, which is expected to bring frigid temperatures to parts of Florida, as well as the potential for snow, ice, sleet, and/or freezing rain.
Parts of north Florida and north-central Florida have been placed under a winter storm warning, which could result in snow and ice in those areas. For those in the Orlando area, we will not see snow or ice, but will experience cold temperatures well below seasonal or normal.
What does a state of emergency do?
A state of emergency allows the Gov. DeSantis and the Department of Emergency Management to access additional resources, equipment, and funding to assist with an emergency. It effectively removes some of the red tape needed to access those resources – and in Florida, it is most commonly declared ahead of major tropical storms, hurricanes, and other natural disasters.
What they're saying:
Florida winter storm: What can we expect?
Big picture view:
According to the latest forecasts, parts of northern Florida along the Florida-Georgia state line will likely see a winter mix of snow, ice, and sleet from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning as arctic air moves across the southern United States.
Snow, freezing rain, and sleet are all possible in northern Florida, according to the FOX 35 Storm Team. As it moves further south into Orlando and South Florida, rain, wind, and cold are the biggest impacts.

Timeline: When will the winter weather arrive?
Timeline:
Northern Florida: This largely depends on where you live. For those in northern Florida, the timeline is late Tuesday night, through the overnight hours, and into the early morning hours on Wednesday.

Central Florida (Orlando metro): Orlando will most likely not see snow, ice, or sleet. But, rainy and cold temperatures are expected to be here through Wednesday morning. Temperatures are expected to drop into the upper 30s and lower 40s north of Interstate 40 – and into the mid-40s for those in the Orlando metro. Parts of Volusia County could see temps. in the mid 30s.
There is also a chance for strong surf and rip currents at beaches on the Atlantic side of the state. Boating conditions will be hazardous Tuesday night into Wednesday, according to forecasters.

How cold will it get in Orlando?
Temperatures are forecast to be in the 30s and 40s by Wednesday morning.

With the wind chill, temperatures will feel like they're in the 30s in the Orlando metro, the 40s and 50s along the coast, and the 20s in parts of the Gainesville area.

Forecast: Could it snow in Florida?
In order to snow, temperatures have to reach at least 32 degrees – the freezing temperature. However, if the ground is warmer than 32, those snowflakes will melt.
Has it ever snowed in Florida? When is the last time?
According to the National Weather Service, the last time Orlando saw measurable snow fall was in 1977, the same for Tampa.

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The Source: This story was written using graphics and information from the FOX 35 Storm Team.