Heads Up, South Carolina! Freeze Warning Alert for Several Counties!
Good morning to our wonderful folks in South Carolina! It looks like we’re in for a chilly surprise this morning. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an updated freeze warning, and it’s important to pay attention to what that means for you and your loved ones.
Timing and Affected Areas
Let’s break it down! The freeze warning went into effect at 12:16 a.m. on Friday and is valid until 9 a.m. today. If you live in Northern Lancaster, Southern Lancaster, Chesterfield, Newberry, Fairfield, Kershaw, or Lee counties, you’re included in this alert! Temperatures are dropping to sub-freezing levels as low as 32 degrees. That’s pretty brisk if you ask us!
What to Expect
Besides the cold, we have to shout out a heads-up about the weather conditions in our area lakes. The NWS lets us know there will be strong winds and rough waves, which could create hazardous conditions, especially for small craft out on the water. Make sure to exercise extra caution if you plan on enjoying the great outdoors in any way that involves water today.
Protecting Your Plants
Now, let’s talk about our lovely gardens and yards that might need some TLC. The NWS is warning that these frosty conditions can kill crops and sensitive vegetation. So, what can you do? It’s time to take action! If you have any tender plants, consider moving them inside where it’s warm. If you can’t bring them inside, you might want to wrap them up or cover them with blankets to protect them from the cold.
Don’t Forget About Your Pipes!
While you’re at it, let’s not forget about those water pipes! A good practice is to wrap or drain your pipes or even let them drip slowly to prevent them from freezing. You don’t want to be dealing with burst pipes when the weather warms back up!
Understanding Freeze Warnings
Now, you might be asking yourself, why are these freeze warnings even a thing? Well, freeze warnings are typically issued during the colder months, from May to October. When temperatures are forecasted to drop between 29-32 degrees, that’s when you’ll see those alerts popping up. If it looks like the temperatures will hover around those numbers, keep an ear out because a freeze watch might be coming your way!
Stay Prepared!
If the warning is in effect, it’s crucial to stay prepared. Remember, if you can move your plants inside, do it as soon as possible. Many plants will not survive these freezing conditions. It’s not just about keeping yourself warm; we want our green friends to be safe too!
Wrapping It Up
So folks, take a moment this morning to check on your gardens, wrap up those plants, and make sure your pipes are safe. We all love the beautiful sights of South Carolina, and let’s make sure we can enjoy them once the warm weather rolls back around!
Stay warm, South Carolina! And keep those coats handy for the day!
