TAMPA, Fla. — The National Weather Service issued a Freeze Warning for the northern counties of the Tampa Bay area.
Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 30 degrees are forecast for Citrus and Hernando Counties.
"Temps are expected to drop below 32 degrees for a few hours in Citrus and Hernando Counties. Frost is expected north of I-4," said Meteorologist Denis Phillips.
The Freeze Warning will go into effect Tuesday morning at 3 a.m. and last until about 8 a.m.
In addition, a Frost Advisory has also been issued for coastal areas of Citrus and Hernando Counties and inland Pasco County from 3 a.m. to 8 a.m.
The NWS says the frost and freeze conditions can kill sensitive vegetation and kill certain crops.
The cold temperatures could also cause problems for exposed pipes.
Cold weather shelters are open in the following counties:
HERNANDO COUNTY
Individuals that need to seek shelter from the cold may contact Jericho Road Ministries for assistance. Social distancing and the use of personal protective equipment will be implemented in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Men's Shelter Women's Shelter Mary's House'
1090 Mondon Hill Road 1163 Howell Avenue
Brooksville, FL 34605 Brooksville, FL 34601
Phone: (352) 799-2912 ext.103 Phone: (352) 799-2912 ext.109
SARASOTA COUNTY
Sarasota County Emergency Management officials has coordinated with municipal partners and the Salvation Army to provide cold weather sheltering for those in need due to the predicted drop in temperatures this evening.The Salvation Army - Center of Hope, 1400 10th Street, Sarasota, will conduct their normal cold weather operation plan Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, with intake beginning at 7 p.m. Dinner will be served at 5 p.m. and breakfast will be served at 5:30 a.m.
CITRUS COUNTY
The Salvation Army will open a cold weather shelter on S. School Ave. in Lecanto starting Monday night at 7:00. There will also be a pickup location for those needing a ride. That is at the Family Resource at Connections on E. Parsons Point Rd. There will be pickups there until 5:30 p.m.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
With limited capacity, Hillsborough County cold weather shelters will open tonight, Jan. 18, for the homeless and those who live in homes without adequate heat.
Important changes for this season: The congregate shelter will be at limited capacity to comply with social distancing recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each resident who chooses to take advantage of cold weather shelters will be screened upon entry. Residents and volunteers will be required to wear a face covering while inside the shelter, and one will be provided if they do not have one. Dinner and breakfast will be served in single-service containers.Hillsborough County is partnering with Amazing Love Ministries to provide a limited-capacity cold weather shelter for adults.
Amazing Love Ministries
3304 E. Columbus Drive in Tampa
Opens at 5 p.m. for adults
Metropolitan Ministries and Tampa Crossroads are supplying a limited number of single-night motel vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration is required by calling the numbers below. Deadline to call is 5 p.m.
- NEW NUMBER: Individuals and families can call (813) 209-1056.
- Individuals and couples without children can call (813) 402-8871.
Organizations interested in hosting a cold weather shelter this season can contact Julie Watkinson, Community Relations Coordinator, at (813) 276-2677 for more information.
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FREEZE WARNING | Temperatures overnight in Citrus and Hernando county away from the coast may fall below freezing Tuesday morning. Freeze warnings have been issued. #flwx
Posted by Denis Phillips on Monday, January 18, 2021
