Because of the bad winter weather that is coming, Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves has released a Declaration of State of Emergency 25-01, which declares a local state of emergency in the city of Pensacola. This was done just hours after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared the Florida Panhandle a state of emergency.
“The Winter Storm is a threat to the safety and welfare of the residents of the City of Pensacola and has the potential to cause extensive damage to property, public buildings, public utilities, public streets and roads, and other public infrastructure,” it says. “People who live in the area are being asked to stay inside and off the roads unless they have to go somewhere.” Because conditions are getting worse on Tuesday, emergency reaction times may be slowed down by roads that are wet or icy.
Tuesday could bring 2 to 4 inches of snow to Pensacola from a “significant winter storm,” according to the most recent National Weather Service prediction.
From 6 a.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday, there is a winter storm watch for the area, which includes Escambia and Santa Rose counties.
The most recent model runs have made it more likely that Tuesday will mostly be snowy in the Pensacola area. Based on recent trends, the weather service says it’s still possible for places near the coast to see a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. However, it’s likely to be mostly snow.
It could be a once-in-a-lifetime storm if the warning comes true. According to weather service records, 2.3 inches of snow fell at the Pensacola airport in 1954, which was the most snow ever recorded in the city borders of Pensacola in one day.
Monday, officials from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties also asked people to stay home and off the roads.
Chief of Public Safety Eric Gilmore said, “Our message is simple: Stay home and stay off the roads.” “The safety of our residents is our first priority. Over the next few days, snow and ice will make the roads unsafe for drivers.” Staying home and being safe is safer than going out.
To get bridges ready for snow and ice, Escambia County Public Works workers started sanding them late Monday afternoon.
Pensacola Public Works crews are ready to use heavy machinery and vehicles to spread sand and salt on the city’s most important roads and bridges, like the 12th Avenue Bridge and Summit Boulevard, which are major routes for emergency services.
The Florida Highway Patrol and local police will decide if bridges need to be stopped if the weather gets worse and drivers are in danger.
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