Freezing Temps Expected in Mid-South Tonight

Freezing temps are set to arrive across the Mid-South tonight. The sudden chill will drop readings down to the freezing mark or lower. People in the area should get ready for a cold night ahead.

What will freezing temps do to your home?

Cold air can cause real trouble around your house when it drops this low. Water inside outdoor pipes can freeze quickly and cause lines to burst. It is a good time to wrap outside faucets and disconnect your garden hoses before night falls. Letting an indoor faucet drip can also keep your home safe from broken pipes.

Outdoor plants also face big danger when a freeze arrives. Tender flowers and sensitive garden beds need a blanket or cloth cover right away. If you have potted plants sitting outside on your porch, bring them inside your house or garage before dinner time. Taking a few simple steps will save you money on expensive home fixes later.

How should people in the Mid-South prepare for the cold?

People across the Mid-South need to take care of their pets and families tonight. Bring any dogs or cats inside so they do not suffer in the bitter cold. If an animal must stay outside, give it a dry shelter that keeps the wind away. Always check that outdoor water bowls do not turn into solid blocks of ice.

You also need to stay safe while heating your home through the cold night. Space heaters should sit at least three feet away from curtains, rugs, and beds. Never use an oven or stove to warm up a chilly room because that can create deadly fumes. Make sure your smoke alarms work properly before you go to sleep tonight.

What are the best tips to stay safe tonight?

Staying warm requires some quick planning before the temperature drops after dark. Cold air moves in fast, so do not wait until morning to handle your chores. Here are a few basic tasks you should complete today:

• Cover outdoor plants or bring them inside where it is warm.
• Disconnect and drain garden hoses from all outside water spigots.
• Bring family pets indoors for the night.
• Check on elderly neighbors to make sure their heat is working well.

Taking care of these chores early will help you rest easy once the sun goes down. A tiny bit of work now stops big headaches in the morning.

What should you expect during your morning drive?

Waking up after freezing temps means you might run into cold weather delays. Car windows can have a thick layer of frost on them early tomorrow morning. Give yourself an extra ten minutes before leaving for work or school so you can scrape the glass clean. Running your car heater will help clear the view and keep you safe on the road.

Watch out for slick spots on bridges and overpasses as you travel through the area. Bridges freeze before other parts of the road because cold air moves above and below them. Drive a little slower than usual and leave plenty of room between you and the car ahead. Taking your time will make sure you reach your destination without any trouble.