HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — South Florida is bracing for an unusual cold snap this weekend, and locals and tourists alike are preparing for temperatures far below the region’s typical warmth.

Local 10’s Jolena Esperto reported from Hollywood Beach on Friday morning, where the weather is still mild but expected to drop sharply.

“It’s definitely warmed up since this morning and you can tell that because you could even see some people enjoying the beach here, some even in their bathing suits, some are a little more bundled up,” Esperto said.

The frigid conditions are a stark contrast for South Florida residents. Three Scoops ice cream owner Ben Murad said the forecast is leaving him wary.

“I will have an extra coat and a layer on me for sure,” Murad said.

Bobby Burrow, who moved from Atlanta for the beach and warmth, said the cold weather will likely keep her away.

“It’s been really cold the last few days, but tomorrow I probably won’t be here because it’s gonna be frigid, and they said on the news that it’s the first time since 2010 that the weather is gonna be frigid cold,” Burrow said. “Yeah, I move for the weather, purely for the weather. That’s it. Now it’s gonna be cold. That’s it. Even for a New Yorker, it’s cold.”

For Miami-Dade farmers, the cold snap poses serious risks to crops.

Hollywood Fire Rescue Cpt. Eric Lombardi explained the potential dangers for both agriculture and home safety.

“Some forecasts are coming in at 31 degrees with a slight wind,” Lombardi said. “If that wind should die, you know, the ice will settle and the plants can’t take it.”

Local 10’s Aaron Maybin also spoke with HFR’s Chai Kauffman about home heating safety. Space heaters, in particular, need careful use.

“Specifically in your home, just be safe. I know you want to be warm. Do not use an oven to warm up your home, do not use the stove to warm up your home,” she said. “Use the actual things that are used for — your heaters in your home or the space heaters — but make sure if you use the space heaters there again, three feet away from any burning material.

He urged the public not to fall asleep or go anywhere without turning them off.

“Run your heaters as you need. Get them on a little early. It’s going to take time for the house to come up to temperature,” said Lombardi.

He also warned residents not to be alarmed by a brief burning smell when heating systems are turned on.

“That’s just dust on the coils,” Lombardi added. “They say that smell is going to last for a few minutes and then things should be all clear.”

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