First To Know Weather

Actions

Hard Freeze Warning issued for North Florida, South Georgia Wednesday

freeze warning.jpg
Posted at 3:22 PM, Jan 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-21 15:22:48-05

(WTXL) — A Hard Freeze Warning has been issued for portions of north Florida and southeast Georgia.

The warning goes into effect from midnight to 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

Temps in the Mid-20s are enough for a Hard Freeze Warning in Suwannee, Hamilton, Echols, and Clinch counties. Mid-20s are possible in other inland counties not included in this warning.

Clinch and Echols counties are also under a wind chill advisory.

NOAA says the combination of cold, dry air and winds 10-15 mph will create dangerously cold conditions across southeast Georgia and northeast Florida Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

A Hard Freeze Warning is issued when significant, widespread and long lasting freezing temperatures are expected. Temperatures as low as 28 degrees are expected overnight.

Pets, pipes, and plants are three of the most important things to remember when the temperatures get cold enough to freeze. Tuesday night's conditions could kill crops and other sensitive vegetation.

Here's some tips to get prepared:

PROTECT PEOPLE

  • Keep warm, stay inside if possible.
  • If you need to go out, dress in layers and wear hats, gloves and an appropriate coat.
  • Avoid overexertion, as cold weather puts added strain on your body.
  • Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water.
  • Keep heat sources at least 3 feet away from furniture and drapes.
  • Never leave children unattended near a space heater.

PROTECT PLANTS

  • Cover your plants with a frost cloth. If you can't find a frost cloth, a sheet or a blanket works well.
  • If there are potted plants you can't move inside, then move potted plants to a spot where they're protected from the wind
  • Spread at least two to three inches of mulch to protect the roots of plants and trees
  • Use water on plants.
  • Watering your plants actually protects them from the cold.

PROTECT PIPES

  • Disconnect outdoor hoses, drain and store in protected area.
  • Wrap exposed faucets and pipes, including those outside the house or in unheated crawl spaces, attics, garages and other areas.
  • If you have a pool, besides keeping the pump running, make sure all the valves are open as well.

PROTECT PETS

  • Bring pets inside, and move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas.
  • Keep adequate food and water available.