A freeze warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Jacksonville early Monday, Dec. 29, days after experts warned an Arctic cold front could bring some of the “coldest temperatures of the season” to some Florida counties.
The fast-moving bomb cyclone that has wreaked havoc on the Great Lakes since early Sunday, bringing blizzard conditions to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula — including heavy snow, storm-force winds and potentially record-breaking wave heights on Lake Superior — will persist in Florida for a few days, dropping daytime highs into the 50s, before rebounding into the 60s and 70s by late Thursday.
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Snow is not expected anywhere in Florida as part of this Arctic cold front, although frost is possible in some locations.
The National Weather Service warning applies to Baker, Inland Nassau, Eastern Hamilton, Western Hamilton, Trout River, Northern Columbia, Western Duval, Inland Glynn, Coastal Glynn, Inland Camden and Coastal Camden counties.
The NWS warned: “Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.”
Jacksonville area weather radar
What are NWS meteorologists saying?
At 10:44 a.m., the NWS issued a statement including the following information:
WHAT: For the freeze warning, sub-freezing temperatures as low as 32 expected. For the freeze watch, sub-freezing temperatures as low as 29 possible.
WHERE: Portions of northeast and northern Florida and southeast Georgia.
WHEN: For the freeze warning, from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. ET Tuesday. For the freeze watch, from late Tuesday night through Wednesday morning.
IMPACTS: Appropriate action should be taken to ensure tender vegetation and outdoor pets have adequate protection from the cold temperatures. Young children, the elderly and the homeless are especially vulnerable to the cold. Take measures to protect them.”
What is a freeze warning?
A freeze warning is issued when surface temperatures are expected to drop below freezing (32 degrees or lower) over a large area for an extended period, regardless of whether frost is expected to form.
A frost advisory is issued when frost is likely and when temperatures are forecast to drop to 33-36 degrees with clear skies and calm winds.
A freeze watch means there’s potential for widespread freezing temperatures (below or equal to 32 degrees) within the next 24-48 hours.
At what temperatures do pipes freeze?
Water in pipes begins to solidify into ice once temperatures dip below freezing, at 32 degrees or below.
Which pipes freeze most often?
The American Red Cross said the pipes most likely to freeze in homes include:
Pipes exposed to severe cold, such as outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and sprinkler lines. (Don’t forget to drain pool and sprinkler lines, too.)
Water supply pipes in unheated interior spaces, including basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and cabinets.
Pipes running along exterior walls with little or no insulation.
How to prevent pipes from freezing
Many people take precautions before the first cold front, since outdoor faucets are often unused until spring. If you haven’t prepared yet — or still need to use your faucets — here’s how to protect them:
Adjust your thermostat: Keep your home at a minimum of 60 degrees. Open cupboards and vanities, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, so warm air can reach pipes.
Drip faucets correctly: Set faucets to a small, steady drip rather than a stream to conserve water while preventing freezing. Focus on the faucet farthest from your home’s main water valve.
Cover outdoor spigots: Before temperatures drop below 32 degrees, open outdoor spigots to let water drain out and place protective covers over them.
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This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Freeze warning issued for Jacksonville area