A deep freeze gripped the southeastern United States on November 11, 2025, as Jacksonville, Florida, and Savannah, Georgia, plunged to 28°F—the coldest temperatures this early in fall since 1976. The sudden Arctic blast caught residents off guard, triggering emergency responses, travel disruptions, and a rare spectacle: iguanas falling from trees, stunned by the cold.
Unusual Wildlife and Community Impact
Across South Florida, residents witnessed iguanas, cold-blooded reptiles that become temporarily paralyzed below 40°F, dropping from trees as temperatures plummeted. Animal shelters reported a surge in calls about cold-stunned wildlife, and volunteers mobilized to assist both animals and people. The phenomenon highlighted the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather, as the South, unaccustomed to such conditions, scrambled to adapt.
Meteorological Milestone
Meteorologists traced the freeze to an unusually strong Arctic air mass that pushed far south, colliding with warm air from the southern U.S. The National Weather Service confirmed that about 18 million people were under freeze warnings across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Jacksonville’s 28°F broke the previous November 11 record of 35°F set in 1977, marking the coldest early-fall temperatures in the region since 1976. Weather stations across the Southeast recorded similar historic lows, underscoring the event’s significance.
Protecting Homes and Families
As the cold snap intensified, residents faced risks of frozen pipes and unsafe heating practices. Fire and rescue departments warned of potential fires and carbon monoxide poisoning, urging homeowners to insulate exposed pipes and leave faucets dripping overnight. Local authorities issued detailed safety guidelines, and emergency services remained on high alert throughout the freeze.
Emergency Shelters and Community Response
Emergency shelters and warming centers opened across Central Florida, metro Atlanta, and other areas to protect vulnerable populations. Volunteers quickly mobilized to help the homeless, elderly, and pets. Community organizations coordinated efforts to ensure no one was left exposed to the dangerous cold, with facilities remaining open for the duration of the event.
Travel, Business, and Agricultural Disruptions
Travel became hazardous as icy roads and frost-covered surfaces made commutes treacherous. Local authorities advised limiting unnecessary travel, and some schools and businesses adjusted schedules. Emergency responders dealt with increased accident reports, while transportation departments worked around the clock to monitor road conditions.
Businesses and utilities responded to the extreme cold, with power companies closely monitoring electrical demand as heating systems ran continuously. Retail stores saw a spike in demand for cold-weather supplies, and some outdoor operations were suspended. Southern farmers, particularly those growing citrus, vegetables, and fruits, faced potential crop damage. Agricultural extension services issued guidance, and growers deployed frost protection measures, including irrigation systems, wind machines, heaters, and protective covers, to minimize losses.
Government Action and Lessons Learned
Local governments activated emergency protocols, issuing freeze warnings and opening warming centers. The National Weather Service coordinated with local authorities to provide regular updates, and emergency management teams worked around the clock. Public safety announcements reached millions, and officials prioritized protecting the most vulnerable residents.
Meteorologists predicted a swift temperature rebound by the weekend, but the freeze served as a wake-up call for southern communities. Emergency management officials emphasized the need for winterization preparation, even in typically warm climates. Residents learned valuable lessons about protecting homes, crops, and vulnerable populations, and regional authorities began reviewing emergency response protocols.
The unprecedented November freeze tested the Southeast’s resilience and preparedness. With 18 million people affected and a 48-year record shattered, the event highlighted the importance of community coordination and emergency planning. As temperatures rebounded, the region emerged stronger, better equipped to face future extreme weather challenges.