Traffic, Weather

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.

Jared Williams

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.

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