With unexpectedly cold weather forecasts and pandemic-related curfews in places, Florida is about to have a Christmas unlike any other – and it could include falling iguanas.
The National Weather Service warned that South Florida could experience the coldest Christmas Day in 21 years, with morning lows in the low 30s and 40sF (below OC).
‘Brrr! Much colder temps are expected for Christmas, ”tweeted the NWS in Miami. “Falling iguanas are possible.”
Because they are cold-blooded, iguanas living in trees in South Florida often become immobile in cold weather, dropping to the ground even though they are still alive.
In Jacksonville, the temperature is expected to drop from about 80F (26.6C) on Thursday to about 30F on Friday, making it on the way to one of the five coldest Christmas days on record, according to the Jacksonville NWS.
A rain line with severe storms and fast-moving winds headed for North Florida on Christmas Eve. Shelters were opened all around the state to accommodate people who would otherwise be exposed to the cold, including several churches planning to hold Christmas services.
Many shelters promised social distance and protective equipment to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.
The pandemic also affected a Space Coast tradition: Surfing Santa Day. Normally hundreds of surfers in Christmas costumes flocked to Cocoa Beach and thousands of cheering supporters, Thursday’s event was moved online. Participants were encouraged to surf or paddle board and post photos or videos.
Santa did get some help from a state official. Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried this week issued “a certificate of animal movement,” allowing Santa and his wife, as well as their reindeer, “to enter and exit all homes, residences, encampments, and buildings in the state of Florida between the hours of 8:00 pm onwards. December 24 and 7:00 am on December 25, via or across a US border port. ”
“Given this year’s challenges, we want to make sure Santa can travel safely across the state and spread Christmas cheer to all of Florida children,” said Fried.