The National Weather Service is issuing Freeze Warnings and Freeze Watches, with a surge of unseasonably cold air moving south and east triggering these latest advisories.

A Freeze Warning is issued when a solid frost or freeze is likely with temperatures dipping into the 20’s.  Such conditions will kill sensitive vegetation, kill crops, and could damage outdoor plumbing such as irrigation systems. When a Freeze Warning is issued, people should take immediate steps to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes, the National Weather Service says they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly; those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.

A Frost Advisory is issued when frost is possible; under such an advisory, frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered.

A Freeze Watch is issued when sub-freezing temperatures in the low 30’s are possible. In this watch, it is possible that frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, harm other sensitive vegetation, and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

Currently, Freeze Warnings are in effect for portions of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and North and South Carolina.