U.S., exceptional cold wave: Florida prepares for possible snowfall

Washington (USA), Jan. 31 (LaPresse) – Florida is a winter tourist destination, but in the coming days much of the state will see nighttime temperatures below freezing and the Tampa Bay area could even experience its first snowflakes in more than a decade. The Midwest and the southern United States have been hit by strong winter storms for several days, and a gigantic cyclone expected in the Atlantic Ocean should push the cold eastward in the form of a powerful snowstorm this weekend. The worst appears to be headed toward the Carolinas, but the Sunshine State is also preparing for winter’s arrival. The last times the area was hit by snow were in January 2010 and December 1989. In January 1977, about 32 kilometers east of Tampa, a record 5 centimeters of snow fell. Despite the forecasts, Tampa will host the annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest on Saturday. On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Boston Bruins for an outdoor NHL game at the NFL stadium of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Few tourists will swim or relax on beaches this weekend, but many attractions will remain open. Most Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando park attractions will operate normally, although water parks will be closed. Most of the state’s zoos and wildlife parks will also remain open, while keepers will take measures to protect animals. Zoo Miami spokesperson Ron Magill said keepers have installed heaters and moved reptiles and smaller mammals indoors, while primates such as chimpanzees and orangutans have been provided with blankets. Farmers are working to safeguard their crops during the winter harvest and the start of spring planting, said Christina Morton, spokesperson for the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association. The biggest concern for Florida citrus growers is temperatures below -2.2 °C for more than four hours, as that is when damage occurs.