Winter weather advisory issued

The US National Weather Service Moe (NWS Mobile) office has placed Santa Rosa County (except for the immediate beaches) under a winter weather advisory until 12 p.m., Fri., Jan. 21.

Residents are urged to use caution when driving and allow extra time to reach their destination as light ice accumulation could be possible in some areas. At this time, no roads or bridges are closed. State and local agencies are closely monitoring conditions.

Latest information from NWS Mobile

Light freezing rain will continue to overspread far southeast Mississippi, southwest and far south-central Alabama, and the western Florida Panhandle this morning. Any light freezing rain should change over to all light rain by early afternoon as temperatures warm just above freezing. The immediate beaches should remain just above freezing with only light rain expected.

5 P’s 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 and elderly family and neighbors who are the most sensitive to cold weather. If the temperature cannot be maintained at a 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 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. In the event of long-term power outages, be extremely careful when using generators, lanterns, gas-powered appliances or when cooking on charcoal grills or gas grills. These appliances produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide which is a deadly, invisible and odorless gas that can cause poisoning in only a matter of minutes.  Equipment or appliances that produce carbon monoxide should never be used indoors. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not stop carbon monoxide build-up.