Prepare for Freezing Temperatures and Icy Roadways

Residents Urged to Prepare and Stay Weather Aware

January 20, 2025

Arctic air is arriving this week, bringing some of the coldest temperatures and wintery conditions to date this season. The National Weather Service has placed Tallahassee under a Winter Storm Watch for late Tuesday afternoon through early Wednesday morning, which may change as the weather system moves closer to the region.

The community could experience a mix of sleet, freezing rain and snow, with some ice accumulation possible. Hazardous travel conditions are likely. The City of Tallahassee is coordinating with local and state partners to prepare, including spreading sand and deicer on bridges and roadways as necessary. As winter precipitation arrives, motorists are advised to use extra caution and only be on the roads if necessary.

The City is implementing precautions to help protect residents and area infrastructure, such as trickling water from spigots in area parks and public spaces. Signs should be posted nearby, but if you see water running lightly from a pipe when arctic air threatens, please do not turn it off. This is intentional. City crews are on standby to respond to service issues should they arise.

To protect pipes, people, pets and plants, the City of Tallahassee reminds citizens to take precautions. Use the tips below to get started and visit Talgov.com/ColdWeather to learn more.

Pipes

• Insulate your backflow assembly properly by wrapping or covering the pipe. Do not cover the bottom relief opening on the underside at the middle of the apparatus to avoid creating other flooding problems.
• Run at least one faucet in your home or business at a thin stream. This allows water to flow through the pipes and lowers the risk of broken water lines during freezing conditions.
• Disconnect outside water hoses from spigots, as water trapped inside can freeze and crack the hose.

People

• Keep all combustible materials, such as drapes or chairs, are at least three feet away from any heating unit.
• Do not leave a fireplace unattended. Once the fire is out, let the ashes cool in the fireplace for several days.

• Check on neighbors and family members who may be more susceptible to cold weather conditions, such as the elderly or disabled.

Pets

• Towel dry your pet's paws after walking on cold, wet grass to avoid chapped paws.
• Never shave your pet down to the skin in winter, as longer coats provide warmth in the cooler air. If your pet has short hair or is sensitive to the cold, consider getting them a coat or sweater to wear when outside.
• Provide shelter for outdoor pets or bring them indoors.

Plants

• Move interior plants away from poorly insulated or drafty windows.
• Bring potted plants into your garage or shed or insulate the pot with plastic wrap or burlap.
• Cover garden beds or rooted plants with opaque plastic wrap or cardboard boxes, securely anchoring the cover to the ground with rocks or bricks to prevent cool air from sneaking in. Remove the coverings during the day once temperatures begin to rise.

The City of Tallahassee wants to ensure all residents know what to do when the forecast calls for freezing temperatures and other inclement winter weather conditions. Visit Talgov.com/ColdWeather for more tips and information. Customers can call 850-891-4968 for utility service needs or report service issues via the City's free DigiTally app.

Stay weather aware with information from the National Weather Service at Weather.gov/tae or X.com/NWSTallahassee.