JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — 385 days.
That's how long it's been since a Hard Freeze Warning has been issued for portions of the First Coast.
It's been roughly one year since a Freeze Warning has been extended to include the Beaches in Jacksonville's Duval County.
But, here we are with a Hard Freeze Warning and Freeze Warning posted for southeast Georgia and northeast Florida for Wednesday morning between the hours of 3 and 9 a.m.
What's the difference between the two?
A Hard Freeze is defined by a temperature of 27F or below for at least two hours. When temperatures get this cold it's important to think of outdoor plumbing and exposed pipes around your property. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. If you have in-ground sprinkler systems, they should too be drained with above-ground pipes covered for protection.
A Freeze might sound self-explanatory, but the National Weather Service has a specific use for the word "freeze." Forecasters call for a freeze when temperatures drop to or below the 32F mark. This is when the "three P's" become important (people, pets, and plants). If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for the pets! Plants should also be covered or brought inside, but pipes are usually OK in this type of weather.
On top of the sub-freezing temperatures expected, a Wind Chill Advisory will be in effect on Wednesday from 1 to 9 a.m. with very cold wind chills as low as 15 degrees for inland locations. Wind chills will likely be in the 20s across Jacksonville! Wear appropriate clothing, including a hat and gloves, and limit your time outside during these hours if you can do so. Stay warm!
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