Escambia County Thursday Winter Weather Update

With snow and ice melting and refreezing overnight, many roads and bridges in Escambia County remain unsafe for driving due to black ice. Very slick and icy road conditions can be expected. Black ice is nearly impossible to see, so the best way to stay safe is to stay off the road.

Unless travel is necessary, it is advised to stay off the roads until conditions improve.

Road Closure Updates from FDOT (subject to change - visit FL511.com for the latest information):

• Interstate 10: FDOT has closed I-10 from the Alabama/Florida state line to exit 192 (U.S. Highway 90) in Gadsden County in both directions due to hazardous road conditions. Please seek alternative routes until further notice. Conditions can change rapidly or bring unexpected circumstances. 
• State Road 292/Barrancas Avenue: SR-292 is closed in all directions (both lanes) from the Bayou Chico Bridge to Weis Lane due to ice on the road.
• 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.
• County offices are closed through Friday, Jan. 24.
• 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.

For additional weather information and updates from National Weather Service of Mobile/Pensacola, visit the NWS website or the National Weather Service Mobile Facebook.