A freeze warning is in force tonight and Monday morning across northeast Florida and southeast Georgia, with temperatures anticipated to drop as low as 24 degrees by 1 a.m., according to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville.
The Freeze Warning and associated Cold Weather Advisory are in effect from 1 a.m. to 10 a.m. EST Monday, affecting inland and coastal areas from Gainesville and Lake City to Waycross, Jesup, and Brunswick. Forecasters warn that wind chills might drop to 14 degrees, making prolonged exposure to the cold risky.
According to the National Weather Service, the cold snap will be severe enough to harm crops, destroy delicate vegetation, and freeze vulnerable pipes. Officials also warn that wind chills this low could induce frostbite on exposed flesh in as little as 30 minutes, putting young children, the elderly, and those without solid shelter at the worst risk.
A Freeze Watch is already in effect from Monday evening until Tuesday morning, indicating another round of subfreezing temperatures, which could plummet below 25 degrees in sections of both states.
Coastal areas, including Coastal Camden, Glynn, Trout River, and Coastal Nassau County, will also experience gusts of up to 35 mph, raising the possibility of fallen tree branches and scattered power outages while making temperatures considerably colder.
Residents are encouraged to keep their pets indoors, preserve fragile plants, and cover or drip exterior pipes to avoid freezing. Travelers departing early Monday should dress in layers, including hats and gloves, and limit their time outdoors wherever feasible.
Officials urge people to take precautions now, as extreme cold weather will hit the region for the second night in a row.