A freeze warning for Houston goes into effect Sunday night through Monday morning, with the city’s first freeze of the season expected Sunday night. Temperatures near or below freezing could damage plants and pipes if precautions aren’t taken.
Who’s included in the freeze warning?
The following Southeast Texas counties are included in the freeze warning from midnight to 9 a.m. Monday: San Jacinto, Burleson, Brazos, Washington, Grimes, Montgomery, Liberty, Colorado, Austin, Waller, Harris, Fort Bend, Wharton, and Inland Brazoria.
This image shows where freeze warnings are in effect beginning at midnight Monday and lasting until 9 a.m. (National Weather Service / Pivotal Weather)
Counties not included north of the warning area, like Walker and Polk, have already experienced their first freeze this season.
How cold will it get?
Temperatures through early Monday morning are expected to drop to near and below freezing across much of Southeast Texas. Here’s how cold temperatures could get:
Near and north of Huntsville: Lows will likely fall to between 26 and 29 degrees. Lows of around 30 degrees are possible closer to Lake Livingston, including communities like Onalaska and Cedar Point.
From Conroe to Livingston and The Woodlands: Temperatures through early Monday fall to between 27 and 30 degrees.
Harris County north of Interstate 10 and outside of the Interstate 610 loop: Morning lows of between 29 and 32 degrees are expected.
Harris County along and south of I-10 and inside the 610 loop: Lows are likely to fall between 31 and 34 degrees in this area.
Southeastern Harris County along Galveston Bay:Low temperatures of between 32 and 35 degrees are likely.
Northern Fort Bend County, including Sugar Land: Temperatures through Monday morning should fall to between 31 and 34 degrees.
Coastal Brazoria and Wharton: Lows of 32 to 35 degrees are expected into early Monday.
What should you do to prepare?
Monday’s freeze will be wind-driven, meaning strong winds will strip away heat and reduce the effectiveness of loosely placed plant covers.
Bring potted plants indoors or into a garage whenever possible. For plants in the ground, use frost cloth, blankets, or sheets that reach all the way to the soil and are tightly anchored to prevent wind from lifting them. Avoid plastic touching leaves; it can cause more damage in high winds.
If you haven’t watered in a while, take time Sunday to water plants. Moist soil retains warmth better than dry ground.
Are you prepared for a possible polar plunge? As temperatures drop, remember to protect the 4 P’s: People, pets, pipes, and plants. (National Weather Service)
Protect your pipes. Insulate outdoor faucets and exposed pipes with foam covers or towels secured with tape or plastic. Disconnect and drain hoses. Inside, open cabinet doors under sinks and let faucets drip slowly if temperatures fall into the 20s. Even brief freezes between 28 and 32 degrees can lead to damage without basic precautions.
Finish with quick checks. Shut off and drain irrigation systems, seal drafts around doors and windows, and use space heaters safely.
Taking these steps before the cold, windy air arrives can help prevent costly damage – and help your plants and pipes make it through the freeze.
This article originally published at Freeze warning issued for Houston. Here’s how to protect plants and pipes.