Millions of Texans are bracing for widespread property damage as a freeze warning remains in effect early Wednesday morning.
The National Weather Service issued the warning, cautioning residents in Terrell, Chisos Basin, Presidio Valley and lower Brewster County to prepare for subfreezing temperatures that could dip as low as 27 degrees Fahrenheit.
The NWS has issued frost and freeze warnings across vast swathes of the region, cautioning that the extreme conditions “could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.”
The agency is advising residents to cover outdoor faucets, wrap or drain water pipes, and allow them to drip slowly to prevent freezing.
An aerial view of U.S. and Texas state flags flying over car dealerships in Irving, Texas, on February 3, 2022. A winter storm blanketed much of Texas with snow, sleet and freezing rain as it swept east, also affecting much of the Midwest and eastern United States.
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Anyone with delicate plants should cover them to protect them from the harsh cold.
With temperatures predicted to cause significant harm to crops, sensitive vegetation and outdoor plumbing, the freeze warning is scheduled to remain in effect until 9 a.m. Central time.
In areas such as Castolon, Dryden, Lajitas, Big Bend National Park, Presidio, Chisos Basin and Sanderson, residents are urged to take precautions to protect their property from the cold.
Freeze warnings have also been issued across large swathes of central Texas, including the Tucson metro area, San Antonio and Austin. Temperatures are expected to drop well below freezing, threatening vegetation, crops and unprotected outdoor property.
Temperatures are expected to rise to above-freezing levels by Thursday night. The highest temperature forecast in the state over the next 48 hours is 65 degrees in Falfurrias on Wednesday.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the NWS said on Tuesday: “Freeze warning until 8am Wednesday morning. Coldest temperatures expected across the Hill Country while areas along the I-35 corridor and coastal plains should stay warmer. Remember to bring in or cover those sensitive plants, check on your neighbors and bring in the pets.”
The Texas Division of Emergency Management said in an X post: “Grab your coats, Texans! First freeze for many may occur tonight. Temps as low as the 20s will be possible in West, Central and Southeast Texas. You might also want to protect sensitive plants.”
Late spring and early fall cold snaps can damage or kill produce, affecting farmers and residential plants. A freeze occurs when temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and frost can form on clear, calm nights even with temperatures in the mid-30s. Each plant species has varying tolerance levels to cold.
According to the NWS, the arrival of arctic air can be hazardous. When combined with strong winds, dangerously low wind chill values can occur. Prolonged exposure to extreme cold puts individuals at risk of frostbite and hypothermia, which can develop in minutes. Uncovered skin and extremities are also vulnerable to frostbite.
