TAMPA (AP) As Winter Storm Harper moves past Central Florida, dangerously bitter, cold air makes its way in, causing thousands to be in peril, or at least looking for long pants. According to the National Weather Service, lows tonight at Tampa International in Hillsborough County are expected to be near 39F.
Canadian visitor Owen Brown, interviewed pool-side at his RV site in nearby Clearwater, said "Hey now, we can leave the beer outside tonight, eh?"
Florida residents were sent scurrying to find extra clothing, stored for years at the back of closets and under beds for just such an emergency.
"I think our AC unit has a "heat pump" setting," said long-time Florida "native" (at least since they moved down from Bergen County in 2016 to that Condo, so that counts) Murray Finkelstein. "I sure hope it works or we may be suffering tonight," said Finkelstein.
The winter storm brought high winds of 10, gusting to 12 miles per hour, to Tampa International and the surrounding regions, while cold air may take the temperature to an unexpected low of 39.
Numbers near freezing may be seen north of the Tampa area, leading to reports of The End of the World (or worse) in Ocala and greater Marion County.
Just kidding. But it is fricken cold here at the moment.
Hope anyone in the path of the upcoming Winter Storm this weekend comes out alright.