The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for portions of Central Texas expected to dip into the upper 20s in the early morning hours on Tuesday, December 2.
The NWS issued an advisory around 1:30 p.m. on Monday, December 1, outlining the upcoming warning, set to be in effect from 3 to 8 a.m. on Tuesday. As of Monday afternoon, the warning is only applicable to Williamson and Burnet counties — including the cities of Burnet and Georgetown, located north of Texas’ capital city within the greater Austin metro.
The advisory flagged temperatures as low of 29 degrees are possible during the early morning hours, with the notice stressing the temperatures could cause damages to crops and vegetation, as well as “unprotected outdoor plumbing.” NWS officials advised Central Texans to begin preparations on Monday, including bringing in vulnerable plants that could be sensitive to the cold.
What triggers a freeze warning?
The NWS declares a freeze warning whenever the temperature is forecast to drop below 32 degrees for an extended period of time, bringing with it the risk of damages or danger for people, plants, crops and pets.
What should you do during a freeze warning?
Other means of preparing for the overnight arctic blast include checking in on water faucets and sources, as well as turning on the heat inside homes. Austin Water said all homeowners should check where their water main shutoff valve is in the event of an emergency, and to turn off any outside faucets or automatic sprinkler systems as well as remove hoses and insulate faucets with towels or a Styrofoam container…