Residents in northeast Florida and southeast Georgia are being urged to prepare for chilly overnight temperatures as a Frost Advisory goes into effect early Saturday morning, increasing fears about vulnerable outdoor plants and vegetation.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, the alert is in force from 3 a.m. to 8 a.m. EST Saturday, with nightly low temperatures predicted to drop to roughly 33 degrees, producing ideal conditions for frost formation.
The advisory covers a large portion of northeast and northern Florida, including Suwannee, Baker, Columbia, Duval (western portions), Nassau (inland), and Hamilton counties, as well as southeast Georgia, including Ware, Clinch, Charlton, Brantley, Glynn (inland), Wayne, Pierce, Appling, Bacon, Coffee, Jeff Davis, and Atkinson. The communities include Lake City, Live Oak, Macclenny, Waycross, Jesup, Baxley, Douglas, and Folkston.
Meteorologists warn that frost can harm or kill sensitive outdoor vegetation, particularly those left exposed overnight. Gardeners and farmers should cover sensitive plants, bring potted plants indoors if possible, and take additional precautions before temperatures plummet.
While widespread hard freezes are not forecast, experts warn that even brief exposure to near-freezing temperatures in the early morning can injure vulnerable plants.