Snow is continuing to melt with temperatures rising into the 40s and 50s today, Friday, Jan. 24, but drivers are reminded that dangerous icy patches remain on some roads and bridges in Escambia County.
Unless travel is necessary, it is advised to stay off the roads until conditions improve. If travel is necessary, drivers should use caution and watch for patches of black ice, especially in shaded areas of roadways.
Based on reports, some of the known problem areas in Escambia County where ice remains include:
- Mobile Highway
- 10 Mile Road
- Burgess Road between Palafox Street and the railroad tracks (between Dale Street and Woodley Drive)
- Any shaded sections of road, particularly under interstate overpasses (including portions of Davis Highway)
- Many county bridges
Escambia County offices remain closed today, Friday, Jan. 24, due to potentially hazardous road conditions. Although county offices are closed, essential personnel are continuing to work to maintain services including Animal Welfare, Corrections, Public Safety, Public Works, and Waste Services. Click here for more information.
Road Closure Updates from FDOT (subject to change – visit FL511.com for the latest information):
- Interstate 10: Effective 7 p.m. CST (Thursday, Jan. 23), all lanes of Eastbound and Westbound Interstate 10 (I-10) are back open to traffic. Remember to drive with extreme caution.
- For real-time closure updates from the Florida Department of Transportation, visit FL511.com.
Additional County Updates:
- Public Safety is continuing to operate and respond to emergency calls. Read more here.
- The Escambia County Emergency Operations Center has been staffed 24/7 since Monday, Jan. 20 and remained active throughout the event. Emergency services never stopped responding to calls, even during the height of the snowstorm.
- Escambia County Fire Rescue has responded to several calls for burst pipes due to the cold weather. Residents are reminded to cover pipes and allow outdoor faucets to slowly drip to prevent them from freezing and breaking.
- County Public Works crews have been working throughout Escambia County to clear snow from roads and bridges to make them accessible for emergency vehicles to respond to calls.
Residents are reminded to practice the five Ps of cold weather safety:
- 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, be sure to bring outdoor pets inside or give them a warm shelter to stay in.
- 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, which is a deadly gas. Also, make sure to use space heaters according to their instructions and be attentive to open flames.
For the latest information from the City of Pensacola, click here.