A Wind Advisory is in effect. Wind gusts up to 40 mph are expected, particularly along the coast. Combined with arctic temperatures, where wind chills or “feels like” temperatures will drop into the low teens to single digits, creating life-threatening conditions for prolonged outdoor exposure.
In order to help residents prepare, Jacksonville’s Emergency Preparedness Division (EPD), the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department (JFRD), JEA and the NWS have teamed up to create a video to help residents prepare: https://youtu.be/J96lfQT5FgI?si=rRgcbTvKlU8u4qZk.
In addition to the video, more information can be found below:
Warming Centers & Shelters:
EPD has activated the Warming Center Contingency Plan. When temperatures reach 27 degrees or lower, the City of Jacksonville Warming Center will be open overnight to residents who lack access to adequate heat.
- Nightly from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m., except for Sunday, February 1, when the center will remain open until noon
- Tuesday, January 27, 2026 – Monday, February 2, 2026
- The Legends Center 5130 Soutel Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32208
JTA buses will transport vulnerable individuals from bus stops throughout Duval County to and from the Legends Center, which will be staffed and have water available on-site, for no charge. Residents utilizing the Warming Center should bring the following items:
- Air mattress, blankets, pillows, or other bedding
- Snacks and medication
- Games, toys, and books
- Hygiene and comfort items
*Note: Only service animals are permitted at the Warming Center.
During normal business hours, COJ Libraries and COJ Community Centers are open and will serve as Warming Centers across Duval County. More information can be found at: jaxready.com/StayWarmJax.
Our non-profit partners at area shelters are also providing cold-weather shelter services to the homeless population. These shelters include:
- City Rescue Mission, 234 W. State Street, 32202
- Sulzbacher Center
- 611 East Adams St., 32202 – Men
- 5455 Springfield Blvd. 32208 – Women and Children
- Trinity Rescue Mission, 622 W. Union Street, 32202
Safety Tips from EPD:
As residents prepare for the extended cold weather, the Emergency Preparedness Division urges everyone to follow the 5 P's of Cold-Weather Safety:
- People: Check on elderly neighbors and family members. Ensure children at early morning bus stops are dressed warmly in layers with hats and gloves to protect against dangerous wind chills. Limit time outdoors during the coldest hours.
- Pets: Bring pets indoors during freezing temperatures. Provide adequate shelter, food, and unfrozen water for outdoor animals.
- Plants: Cover or bring sensitive plants indoors to protect them from frost and freezing temperatures.
- Pipes: Protect exposed pipes with insulation. Allow faucets to drip slightly to prevent freezing. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
- Practice Fire Safety: As residents use supplemental heating sources during this extended cold period, follow critical safety measures to prevent fires. See detailed tips below.
Safety Tips from JFRD:
- Use Caution with Space Heaters: Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn. Plug heaters directly into outlets and never use extension cords or power strips. Turn off heaters when leaving a room or going to sleep. Never leave space heaters unattended.
- Practice Fireplace Safety: Have chimneys inspected and cleaned annually. Don’t overload fireplaces with wood and use screens or glass doors to prevent sparks from escaping. Never leave fires unattended, and ensure fires are fully extinguished before going to bed.
- Additional Safety Tips: Never use ovens or appliances not designed as heating devices to warm your home. Ensure working smoke alarms are installed on every floor and outside each bedroom. Install carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. Never use outdoor appliances, such as grills or generators, indoors.
Safety Tips from JSO:
- JSO will be out and about monitoring roads and conditions. For updates on road conditions, follow JSO, JaxReady and COJ social media channels.
- Do not leave your care running and unattended, as it is against the law and it may get stolen.
Energy Conservation Tips from JEA
Heating accounts for up to 50% of a typical home's energy consumption. During these extreme conditions, JEA recommends:
- Set your thermostat to 68°F or lower and only adjust 1-2 degrees at a time to avoid activating heat strips, which are costly to run. Set your thermostat even lower at night and when you’re away.
- Consider using space heaters in occupied spaces while turning down the thermostat to avoid the costs of heating your entire home. Keep safety in mind: Never leave a space heater unattended, on while sleeping or close to flammable items. Make sure the space heater has “tip over protection.”
- Seal drafts around windows and doors to keep cold air out.
For more information, visit jaxready.com/StayWarmJax.