News Summary
A rare winter storm has swept through the Jacksonville area, resulting in snow and icy conditions. Southeast Georgia experienced significant snowfall, leading to school closures, travel disruptions, and power outages. With the forecast hinting at a return to warmer temperatures soon, residents are advised to stay safe during the winter weather.
Winter Weather System Hits Jacksonville Area Hard
The Jacksonville area is feeling the effects of a rare winter storm, as it sweeps through parts of the First Coast, resulting in a mix of snow and icy conditions. While Jacksonville might be used to sunny skies and warm temperatures, this unexpected turn has left many residents scratching their heads and warming up their snow shovels!
Snowfall and School Closures
Reports indicate that the noteworthy winter weather system has created quite a spectacle—especially in Southeast Georgia where residents are witnessing snowfall like they haven’t seen in years. In towns like Waycross, heavy snow has even partially collapsed a building, causing damage that’s projected to run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. As the storm continues to wreak havoc, several school districts including Duval County, Glynn County, Baker County, Bradford County, and Charlie County have opted to close their doors for the day, prioritizing student safety.
Travel Trouble
Travel has also become a tricky venture, especially on the roads. Major highways like I-95 Southbound are experiencing closures at US Highway 17, directing southbound traffic elsewhere. The northbound on-ramps at the same highway remain open, but the SR 200 Northbound on-ramp to I-95 has been shut down completely. Drivers are also cautioned that most intersections along Highway 40 in Kingsland have lost power, which requires the police to remind everyone to treat dark intersections as four-way stops. It’s definitely a time for some extra caution out on the roads!
Winter Chill and Power Outages
As temperatures took a nosedive, regions have been feeling pretty frigid—gusty northern winds are producing bone-chilling wind chills reaching the upper teens. It’s safe to say that it’s the kind of weather that makes you want to snuggle up with a hot cocoa! Unfortunately, nearly 12,000 Georgia Power customers in Glynn County, along with others in Camden and Charlton Counties, lost power due to the harsh weather. The storm has also left many residents gearing up for the possibility of more outages in the coming days.
Bridges and Roads Under Pressure
The icy conditions have resulted in hazardous road issues around Jacksonville, with several bridge closures creating a bit of chaos. Reports of snowy and icy build-up have come pouring in from all parts of the area, including several inches in places like Valdosta, Georgia. Meanwhile, residents are urged by the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office to steer clear of travel until conditions improve, as there is significant ice reported on U.S. Hwy 1 and multiple bridges.
What’s Next?
Despite these chilly weather patterns, forecasts hint that a return to warmer temperatures could be on the horizon, with highs potentially reaching the 70s by next February. It’s a reminder to hold on tight during this winter weather rollercoaster—spring is just around the corner. Until then, the winter storm warning remains in place for most of the First Coast, including Duval and Clay Counties, lasting until 1 p.m. Wednesday. Keep your winter gear at the ready, and stay safe out there!
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Additional Resources
- First Coast News
- News4Jax
- Action News Jax
- Wikipedia: Winter storm
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter weather
