Santa Rosa Beach – The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for South Walton on Thursday night and Friday morning. Local meteorologists forecast precipitation and freezing temperatures for the next 36 hours, which may create snow flurries. Although no snow accumulation is anticipated, there is an increased likelihood of ice forming on roads, bridges and low lying areas throughout our District.
The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) encourages members of the community to please limit leaving your homes only when necessary while icy conditions are prevalent. If you must be out on the roadways, please use extreme caution and be aware of black ice. Although rare in Florida, black ice is a dangerous wintertime hazard because the icy road may not always be visible to the driver. Click here for National Weather Service advisory
While a shiny road surface indicates an obviously wet or icy road, a road covered with black ice will look a little different. Keep an eye out for pavement that is slightly darker and a little duller looking than the rest of the road surface– this may indicate that black ice is present. Because black ice is so tricky to detect, a driver may not realize there is an icy road surface until his car begins to slide. Drive smoothly and steadily, if you begin to slide to take your foot off the gas, don’t slam on the brakes and turn your wheels in the direction of the slide.
Additional cold weather safety tips:
· Remember some areas around porches, steps, and sidewalks may have had standing water that has frozen.
· Remember to be extra careful and dress warm, layering works best, if you have to go out!
· Remember the five P’s of cold weather- protect people, protect pets, protect plants, protect pipes and practice fire safety!
· Remember, in the event of power outages; be extremely careful when using generators or fuel burning space heaters, as they can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide that can cause poisoning in only a matter of minutes.
· Remember to never use either gas powered or electric stoves or ovens to heat your home.
For questions or further information, please contact Sean Hughes, Deputy Chief at 850-267-1298 or visit our website at www.swfd.org.