Search
Close this search box.

OCSO: Icy Brooks Bridge remains open but ‘treacherous’ in Fort Walton Beach

Single-digit wind chills and icy roads continue to impact Okaloosa County as officials warn drivers about treacherous bridge conditions, particularly on Brooks Bridge.
Vehicles navigate the icy Brooks Bridge in Fort Walton Beach as construction barriers line the roadway, where officials report vehicles struggling with hazardous conditions Wednesday morning. (OCSO)

An Okaloosa County sheriff’s deputy reported Wednesday morning that vehicles were struggling with ice on Brooks Bridge in Fort Walton Beach.

  • “Cars are getting stuck. They can’t get up the ice. The cars going down the other side are sliding,” the deputy said. “We recommend that you do not come to the Brooks Bridge unless you have to.”

Okaloosa Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox warned that road conditions are unlikely to improve Wednesday, though areas receiving full sunshine may see some relief. He cautioned that any lingering moisture will refreeze quickly after sunset.

An Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect through 10 a.m., with another warning likely to be issued later Wednesday. Wind chills will stay in the single digits to teens, briefly rising into the upper 20s to lower 30s in the afternoon.

  • Areas with snowpack may not rise above freezing all day, Maddox said, with temperatures expected to drop into the teens again Wednesday evening.

Officials will decide mid-day Wednesday about Thursday operations for county services and schools.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“What an asshole thing to say there ol Bill Hipple. I’m sure you’re a peach to be around.”
Respond
“I hope the people on Solar st and Green Dr raise hell! They don't want this. That's why they bought on dead end streets.”
Respond
“There should be a "stop adding 3 story and higher houses/condominiums" as the island is over populated and the situation continues. Infrastructure was not considered when tourism began to be...”
Respond
“Relocate the damn salamanders!! Building highways through established neighborhoods will not solve anything!”
Respond
“I have heard this whole area will be home to military and tourist. This area will start looking like Daytona Beach. Sadly, this is what out of town companies want...”
Respond
“my only objection is why does it take $4 million to study the project.”
Respond
“A Medal of Honor? You must be joking The only honor in this tow was the ship being towed. The Vinik 6 is a rusty POS that’s lucky it lasted...”
Respond
“Can’t wait for it to open. My grandchildren are super excited.”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.