Weather

Several Southwest Florida areas are preparing shelter accommodations for cold weather forecast for tonight and Friday.

Florida's severe weather week is here. And it's a great reminder that weather disasters can happen all year long - not just during hurricane season. From extreme cold to extreme heat, and everything in between, now is a great time to make sure you're prepared.

We Floridians aren't used to chilly weather, which makes cold snaps like this week's challenging for our bodies and minds to adjust to. Florida Gulf Coast University Social Work Professor Ariella VanHara says this can bring unexpected mental health impacts.

This will not be the coldest air mass of the season, but it could be the coldest air mass felt in over a decade for some. Some flurries are also possible.

While the winter precipitation and dangerous weather stay well to the north, a cold front will bring cooler weather to Florida this coming week. Freeze and cold alerts are in effect.

Flight cancellations at Southwest Florida International Airport continued Monday with 55 just after 3 p.m. The cancellations are mostly due to the massive snow and ice-filled winter storm hitting the country from Texas to Maine. Airlines warned the storm could cause widespread cancellations and delays at some of the nation’s busiest airports.

The extensive winter storm brewing over the Rockies and Plains will impact millions over the weekend. Florida will be spared from winter precipitation, but not from the cold.

Snow and possibly icy conditions are forecasted for several Southern states, including Texas, this weekend.

The big winter (and popular) topic is dusted off very early this season as frigid air plunges south next weekend. But what is the Polar Vortex, exactly?