Winter Storm Enzo is forecasted to bring a rare bout of freezing rain and the possibility of sleet to Gainesville early Wednesday morning. Alachua County is under a freeze watch and winter storm warning from 7 p.m. Tuesday to 1.p.m. Wednesday.
The storm is expected to hit Gainesville with freezing rain from 1 a.m. to 7 a.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. Wind gusts could be as high as 21 mph.
Find the latest information about campus closures and local shelters here.
UPDATE - Shelters
The City of Gainesville has activated its Cold Night Shelter program, with locations at St. Francis House and GRACE Marketplace, according to its Facebook page.
The Cold Night Shelter program is activated when temperatures fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
St. Francis House provides temporary shelter for families, women and children.
GRACE Marketplace primarily serves individual adults. Night shelters will open at 7 p.m. and remain open until 7 a.m. the following day. Overnight shelter support will run through Jan. 26.
Rossana Passaniti, the Gainesville Public Information Officer, said the program is not limited to the homeless but is open to anyone in need of shelter in the cold weather.
“We don't want anybody to suffer the cold,” Passaniti said.
The program is funded through the Community Development Block Grant program, which the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allocates $25,000 to. Local nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for these funds.
The shelters provide meals, snacks, showers, secure storage of personal items, use of the laundry room, sleeping quarters and access to a case manager.
UPDATE: Changes to RTS schedules, routes
Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward signed an executive order Tuesday afternoon declaring a local state of emergency, according to a city of Gainesville press release. Regional Transit System buses will run on reduced service through 10 a.m. Wednesday, until further safety assessments are made.
RTS route reductions will be posted for each route on the GNV RideRTS app and website.
University of Florida
At UF, classes are canceled and campus is closed until 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. Baby Gator and P.K. Yonge Developmental Research school will be closed all day Wednesday.
Santa Fe College
Santa Fe College is closed Wednesday and will resume classes and regular operations Thursday.
Alachua County Public Schools
Alachua County Public Schools, district offices and all extracurricular activities will be closed on Wednesday due to the upcoming winter storm, according to a press release.
All extracurricular activities will end Tuesday at 5 p.m.
ACPS expects schools and district offices will reopen on Thursday.
How to prepare
Winter storms can include sleet, snow and freezing rain. Larger amounts of ice can knock down trees and utility poles.
Be aware of black ice when driving. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, it is transparent ice that often appears as a glossy patch on the road. It can cover roads and make for dangerous driving conditions.
The National Weather Service recommends to stay off roads and only drive if absolutely necessary. When driving, the bureau recommends navigating at reduced speeds and allowing for plenty of stopping space between vehicles. It also advises not to use cruise control.
Ready.gov recommends that if trapped in a car, to stay inside the vehicle. It also recommends keeping an emergency supply kit for cars that includes jumper cables, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, food and water.
It is recommended to be stocked up with food, water, medications, other emergency supplies and gas. To prepare for loss of power or heat, The National Weather Service recommends having an emergency heat source such as a generator, space heater or a fireplace. Check carbon monoxide detectors and clear the outside vent from any debris to ensure they are functioning properly. It is also recommended to dress in layers and keep warm clothes on hand.
