Freeze Warnings in Effect as Southeast Faces Rare Arctic Cold and Snowstorm Aftermath

Freeze Warnings Issued in 3 States Across Southeast as Arctic Cold Grips the Region

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued freeze warnings across parts of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana, as a powerful Arctic cold front continues to grip the southeastern United States. The freeze warnings are in effect through Saturday morning, with temperatures expected to plummet to as low as 30°F, and wind chill values making it feel as cold as 27°F.

The warnings come on the heels of a historic snowstorm that struck earlier in the week, bringing rare snowfall to the Gulf Coast, causing widespread travel disruptions, and setting century-old records for snow accumulation in places like Florida. According to AccuWeather, the storm caused an estimated $14–$17 billion in economic damage across the region, adding further strain to communities already dealing with the cold snap.

The Impact of the Cold Snap

The ongoing cold weather presents significant challenges for the southeastern United States, an area that is not typically accustomed to prolonged sub-freezing temperatures. Residents are being urged to take immediate precautions to protect themselves, their homes, and their pets during this extreme weather event.

One of the most concerning risks posed by the cold is the potential for frost and freeze conditions that could damage crops, sensitive vegetation, and outdoor plumbing. In regions that rarely experience such extreme cold, many homes and businesses are not equipped to deal with freezing temperatures, and unprotected pipes could be at risk of bursting. Additionally, prolonged exposure to the cold can lead to hypothermia, especially when wind chills dip to dangerous levels.

This cold front is the result of a combination of factors, including a shift in the jet stream and the presence of a high-pressure ridge near Alaska, which has caused Arctic air to flow southward, blanketing the eastern United States. For southern states like Florida and Louisiana, this is an unprecedented event, as these areas typically experience mild winters and lack the resources (such as ice-melting compounds) needed to manage icy conditions on roads and sidewalks.

What You Need to Know

The freeze warnings are in effect through 9:00 a.m. ET on Friday, with a second round of freeze warnings set to begin at 2:00 a.m. and last until 8:00 a.m. on Saturday. During this time, sub-freezing temperatures are expected to drop as low as 22°F in some areas, with wind chills making it feel as cold as 18°F. These extreme conditions are especially dangerous for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and those without adequate shelter.

What to Do During the Freeze

Residents in the affected areas are being advised to take several precautions to stay safe during the cold snap:

• Layered Clothing: Wear multiple layers of clothing, including hats, gloves, and scarves, to protect against the cold.
• Protect Outdoor Plumbing: Wrap outdoor pipes or allow them to drip to prevent freezing. This is especially important in regions where plumbing is not designed to withstand such low temperatures.
• Protect Pets and Livestock: Ensure that pets and livestock have adequate shelter to stay warm during the cold nights. Bring pets indoors when possible.
• Drive Cautiously: If you must drive, use extreme caution. Icy conditions could make roads slippery, especially on bridges and overpasses.
• Cold Weather Survival Kit: It’s important to have a cold weather survival kit in your car and home. This should include extra blankets, non-perishable food, bottled water, a flashlight, batteries, and a first-aid kit. It’s also wise to have extra fuel in case of a power outage or if you need to leave town.
• Prevent Slips and Falls: Use sand, cat litter, or pea gravel on walkways to reduce slipping hazards on icy surfaces.

The Historical Context

This cold snap follows an extraordinary weather event that left much of the Gulf Coast in shock. On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, heavy snow fell on parts of Florida, including the Florida Welcome Center in Pensacola. This rare snowfall, combined with freezing temperatures, led to disruptions in travel and caused damage to infrastructure.

AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tom Kines called the event “a once-in-a-lifetime experience” for many people in the region. Many locals have been sharing their stories of improvisation and resilience, including wrapping pipes in towels and blankets to prevent them from freezing and preparing for the worst by putting together emergency kits.

In Tampa Bay, the NWS office issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) reminding residents to prepare for continued cold conditions. “Please plan for a few more days of very cold conditions!! The coldest morning will be on Saturday, with lows ranging from the low 20s in the north to the mid-30s in the south. A gradual warm-up is expected into next week, with mostly sunny conditions,” the statement read.

What Happens Next?

The cold weather is expected to persist through Saturday morning, with temperatures beginning to warm up over the weekend. Northern Florida and other affected areas should start to see a return to normal seasonal temperatures by next week, as the cold front moves out and warmer air moves in. However, the next few days will continue to be a struggle for many in the South, particularly for those who are unprepared for the extreme cold.

As temperatures slowly begin to rise, residents can expect mostly sunny conditions to take hold early next week, which will bring some relief from the frigid weather. Still, many will have to contend with the aftermath of the storm, including the risk of further damage to crops, property, and infrastructure.

Conclusion

The freeze warnings in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana highlight the serious risks posed by the ongoing cold snap, which is exacerbated by a historic storm that recently impacted the Gulf Coast. With temperatures plunging to dangerous levels and wind chills making it feel even colder, residents are being urged to take steps to protect themselves, their homes, and their pets. While the cold is expected to persist through Saturday morning, temperatures will gradually rise, bringing an end to the cold spell and a return to more typical seasonal conditions next week.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.

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