With unexpected cold weather forecasts and pandemic-related curfews in some places, Florida is about to have a Christmas unlike any other, and may involve falling iguanas.
The National Weather Service warned that South Florida could experience its coldest Christmas day in 21 years, with morning lows down 30s and 40sF (below OC).
“Brrr! Much colder weather was expected for Christmas, “the Miami NWS tweeted.” Falling iguanas are possible. ”
Because they are cold-blooded, iguanas that live in South Florida trees often remain immobile when it is cold, causing them to fall to the ground even though they are still alive.
In Jacksonville, the temperature was expected to drop by about 26.6 ° C on Thursday to about 30 ° F on Friday, putting it on track to be one of the five coldest Christmas days on record, according to the NWS. Jacksonville.
A line of rain with strong storms and moving winds was heading toward North Florida on Christmas night. Around the state, shelters were opened to house people who would otherwise be exposed to the cold, including several churches planning to hold Christmas services.
Many shelters promised protective equipment and social removal to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.
The pandemic also had an impact on the Space Coast tradition: surfing on Santa’s Day. Thursday’s event typically moved online to Cocoa Beach and thousands of fans cheered on hundreds of surfers in Santa costumes. Participants were encouraged to surf or paddle-board and post photos or videos.
Santa did get help from a state official. This week, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried issued an “animal movement certificate”, which allowed Santa Claus and his wife, as well as their reindeer, to enter and leave all homes, homes , Florida State Camps and Premises between 8pm on December 24th and 8am on December 25th through or over any U.S. border port. ”
“Given this year’s challenges, we want to make sure Santa can travel the state safely and spread the joy of Christmas to all Florida children,” Fried said.