Freeze Watch Issued for Orange and Putnam Counties
The National Weather Service has issued a freeze watch for Orange and Putnam counties, effective from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Friday. Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 27 degrees are expected.
“Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing,” the weather service said.
Residents are urged to take steps to protect their plants and outdoor plumbing from the cold. Tender plants should be brought indoors if possible. Outdoor plumbing should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly to prevent freezing and possible bursting.
Freeze warnings are typically issued from May to October when low temperatures are expected to be between 29 and 32 degrees. A freeze watch may be issued a few days in advance if there is a potential for temperatures to fall below these thresholds.
If a freeze warning or watch is issued for your area, the weather service recommends taking the following precautions:
* Move sensitive plants indoors if possible.
* Cover outdoor plants with blankets or tarps.
* Wrap or drain outdoor plumbing.
* Allow outdoor faucets to drip slowly.
* Cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.
