Thu Dec 05 19:10:00 UTC 2024: ## NWS Simplifies Cold Weather Alerts to Improve Public Safety
**TALLAHASSEE, FL** – The National Weather Service (NWS) has revamped its cold weather alerts, effective October 1st, 2024, to better communicate the dangers of freezing temperatures and wind chill. Recent frigid temperatures in Florida, including the season’s lowest this week, prompting freeze warnings and frost advisories, highlighted the need for clearer messaging.
The changes aim to clarify that extreme cold poses risks regardless of wind speed. While wind chill significantly impacts “feels-like” temperature, frostbite is impossible above freezing, even with strong winds. Hypothermia, however, remains a threat at all temperatures below freezing.
Key changes include renaming “wind chill watches” to “extreme cold watches,” “wind chill warnings” to “extreme cold warnings,” and “wind chill advisories” to “cold weather advisories.” “Hard freeze watches” are now simply “freeze watches,” and “hard freeze warnings” have been consolidated into “freeze warnings.” The NWS emphasized that these changes are designed to improve understanding of cold weather hazards, which are often overshadowed by winter precipitation alerts.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) urges residents to take precautions during cold snaps: Practice fire safety using approved heating sources; dress warmly in layers; protect pets by bringing them indoors or providing warm shelter; safeguard plants from freezing temperatures; and insulate pipes to prevent damage.
With another cold front expected, FDEM and NWS encourage Floridians to stay informed by signing up for weather alerts via text and downloading the local weather app.
First Piper 