Cold/Wind Chill in Coastal Palm Beach, Florida

The coldest temperatures since the "Christmas freeze" of 1989 caused damage to fruit and vegetable crops in south Florida. Especially hard hit were tomatos, bell peppers and melons in Collier and Hendry counties and sugar cane in Palm Beach County. Minimum temperatures were in the upper 20s in Glades, Hendry and Collier counties, and in the lower to mid 30s over the remainder of the south Florida peninsula. Strong winds caused wind chill values in the teens, and disrupted electrical service to over 20,000 customers. Shelters were opened is several counties. At least one space heater initiated fire occurred.