Gov. DeSantis shares winter storm updates after declaring a State of Emergency

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis shared some updates regarding the state's preparation ahead of the winter storm that is hitting parts of northern Florida.

After declaring a State of Emergency on Monday, with much of northern Florida under a winter storm warning, DeSantis spoke at the State Emergency Operations Center on Tuesday morning.

What they're saying:

With multiple inches of snow expected in northern Florida on Tuesday and Wednesday, DeSantis is asking people to stay off the roads.

"When you are in that environment, and you are driving, if you are used to driving in Florida, it is different," DeSantis said. "When you do the brakes, there are all these things. You can skid, you can slide. So just be very, very careful, and if you don't need to be out, just stay in."

Crews will be out salting and spraying the roads over the next two days and Florida has activated 11 snowplows throughout the state. Rest stops will also remain open across Florida.

Local perspective:

As of Tuesday morning, FOX 13 meteorologists say no snow or ice is expected anywhere in the Tampa Bay area.

Drivers should be alert though, as the wintry mix could make for dangerous conditions on the roads north of the Bay Area.

Depending on the temperatures in your county, cold weather shelters will be available for people.

The backstory:

Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director, Kevin Guthrie, said that the state has been preparing for this weather event for the last 10 days.

Guthrie also mentioned that they have crews ready to go in case of any power outages.

The Source: Information for this story came from a press conference held by Governor Ron DeSantis. Weather information came from FOX 13 meteorologists.

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