FHP warns of icy road conditions

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida state troopers have issued a winter weather advisory for drivers throughout the state, with freezing rain and ice predicted over the next 24 hours.

At one rest stop Tuesday at the Florida-Georgia line, drivers from up north say it's a warning Floridians shouldn't ignore.

"It's risky for people who aren't used to it," Frank Roth said. "I remember going off a curb. It was the first snow of the season and I kind of forgot what it was like."

Roth said no matter how experienced a driver you are, ice and freezing rain can be deadly. That's why the Florida Highway Patrol issued this advice for people traveling over the next 48 hours:

  • Avoid driving altogether if at all possible
  • Slow down when the roads ice over
  • Do not attempt to pass slower vehicles
  • Gently apply your brakes and accelerate at slow speeds

Troopers also want drivers to be aware of roads that appear to be wet. The reality is, when the temperature drops the roads could become icy.

"That's called black ice and it looks like a blacktop but it's frozen underneath, so you really have to be careful," driver Ed Arum said.

Arum, who drove to Florida from Connecticut, said he's surprised the big chill is reaching so far south, but anything is better than where he came from.

"We're here now and the sun will be out any minute, right?" Arum said jokingly.


About the Author:

Tarik anchors the 4, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. weekday newscasts and reports with the I-TEAM.