Public Safety: Roads still icy, County and Schools closed on Thursday [podcast]

I'm your huckleberry

I just got off the phone with Escambia County Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore.

He said Escambia County continues to grapple with dangerous road conditions following yesterday’s winter weather event. Despite sunny skies, ice remains a significant hazard on local roads, prompting officials to announce school and county office closures for another day.

“While we have bright sunny skies, we still have ice on the roads and there’s several spots I’ve drove across and are a little slick,” Gilmore reported while conducting a personal assessment of road conditions. He emphasized that even with a four-wheel-drive vehicle, he had to traverse the roads slowly and carefully.

The situation is expected to worsen overnight as any daytime thawing will lead to “flash freezing,” creating sheets of glazed ice by tomorrow morning. Public safety officials are strongly urging residents to stay off the roads despite the deceptively clear weather conditions.

Bridge access remains a particular concern. Emergency management teams are currently assessing the condition of the Three Mile Bridge and Bob Sykes Bridge. The Theo Baars Bridge was closed yesterday by the Sheriff’s office due to dangerous conditions. Public Works crews have been working continuously to spread sand on bridges, though resources are limited.

Interstate 10 remains closed as of the latest update, though work crews are attempting to clear the roadway for reopening.

County officials are working to maintain public safety through this unusual weather event, with Public Works crews having worked through yesterday and continuing their efforts today.

However, Gilmore noted that “the event got ahead of us,” highlighting the challenges faced by a region unaccustomed to such severe winter weather conditions.

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1 thought on “Public Safety: Roads still icy, County and Schools closed on Thursday [podcast]”

Raid Amin says:

January 22, 2025 at 10:53 am

Better be safe than be sorry. Using remote access connections may be extra useful in such weather conditions if applicable and suitable.

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Public Safety: Roads still icy, County and Schools closed on Thursday [podcast]

1 thought on “Public Safety: Roads still icy, County and Schools closed on Thursday [podcast]”

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