Duval Times

The City of Jacksonville's Emergency Preparedness Division is actively monitoring the weather conditions expected to impact Duval County over the weekend and into the following week. In coordination with local partners, they are ready to respond to any extreme weather situations.

According to the National Weather Service, 1-2 inches of rain are anticipated on Saturday and Sunday. An Arctic front is predicted to follow, potentially leading to icy road conditions on Sunday evening and Monday morning in areas with significant rainfall. Residents are advised to drive cautiously and be aware of potential roadway hazards during this time.

On Monday morning, wind chill temperatures are expected to drop into the lower to mid-20s. This cold spell is likely to persist through Thursday, with "feels like" temperatures remaining in the 20s.

In response to these conditions, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Foundation has decided, in consultation with city officials and public safety agencies, to reschedule the MLK Jr. Day Parade as a precautionary measure for public safety. Further details will be announced soon.

The Emergency Preparedness Division has activated its Warming Center Contingency Plan due to the forecasted cold weather. The plan provides that when temperatures fall below 27 degrees Fahrenheit, warming centers will open for residents without adequate heating:

- Sunday, January 19, from 9 p.m. until Monday, January 20 at 9 a.m., at The Legends Center located at 5130 Soutel Drive.

- Monday, January 20 from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., at Jacksonville Public Main Library located at 303 N. Laura St.

- Monday night from January 20 at 9 p.m., until Tuesday morning January 21 at 9 a.m., again at The Legends Center.

Updates regarding warming center operations will continue throughout next week. Starting Tuesday, January 21, all COJ Libraries and Community Centers will reopen during regular business hours as warming centers across Duval County.

Additionally, JTA buses will offer free transportation services for those heading to warming centers which will be staffed and have water available onsite. Residents planning on using these facilities should bring their own bedding supplies along with snacks, medications, entertainment items, and personal hygiene products.

Local non-profit partners are also providing shelter services for homeless individuals during this period of cold weather:

- City Rescue Mission located at 234 W. State Street.

- Mission House operating overnight services at St. Paul’s by the Sea Episcopal – Parish Hall located on Jacksonville Beach.

- Sulzbacher Center providing separate accommodations for men (611 East Adams St.) and women/children (5455 Springfield Blvd.).

- Trinity Rescue Mission located at 622 W Union Street.

Residents seeking further information can visit JaxReady.com/StayWarmJax where they can find tips on fire prevention and cold-weather safety along with detailed information about warming center locations including what items they should bring when visiting such facilities.