A freeze warning is set to take effect in Houston beginning Sunday night and lasting through Monday morning, marking the city’s first freeze of the season. Residents can expect temperatures to plunge to 32 degrees or lower, potentially causing damage to plants and pipes if proper precautions are not taken.
The freeze warning encompasses several counties in Southeast Texas including San Jacinto, Burleson, Brazos, Washington, Grimes, Montgomery, Liberty, Colorado, Austin, Waller, Harris, Fort Bend, Wharton, and Inland Brazoria, valid from midnight until 9 a.m. on Monday. Areas north of the warning, such as Walker and Polk counties, have already experienced their first freeze this season.
Temperature forecasts predict a deep chill, with lows nearing freezing across Southeast Texas. Particularly cold spots include:
– Near Huntsville: expected lows between 26 and 29 degrees
– Closer to Lake Livingston, including Onalaska and Cedar Point: around 30 degrees
– Conroe to Livingston and The Woodlands: lows of 27 to 30 degrees
– Harris County north of Interstate 10: 29 to 32 degrees
– Southern parts of Harris County, including the area near Galveston Bay: lows of 32 to 35 degrees
To prepare for the freezing temperatures, residents are advised to act quickly. Potted plants should be moved indoors or to garages, and coverings for ground plants should be securely fastened to withstand strong winds, which will contribute to the chill. It’s also suggested to water plants before the freeze, as moist soil retains heat better.
The chilling Arctic air combined with gusty winds can lead to dangerously low wind chill values, potentially dropping into the 20s early Monday morning. Thus, it’s crucial for individuals to protect not just their plants, but also their pipes. Insulating outdoor faucets and exposed pipes, disconnecting and draining hoses, and taking steps to keep indoor plumbing warm are all recommended actions.
As the frigid temperatures approach, residents are encouraged to remember the “4 P’s”: People, pets, pipes, and plants, ensuring safety and warmth for all. Taking these steps can help mitigate the impacts of the freeze, allowing the community to emerge safely from this significant cold snap.