Jackson, Kentucky – Temperatures will plunge below freezing overnight, putting eastern Kentucky crops and outdoor plumbing at immediate risk before sunrise Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, a Freeze Warning is in effect from midnight Friday night through 10 a.m. Saturday. Lows are expected to reach 28 degrees across a wide stretch of eastern, south-central, and northeastern Kentucky.
Communities including Hazard, London, Somerset, Prestonsburg, Morehead, and Mount Sterling will see temperatures fall steadily after sunset, with the coldest readings arriving between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m. Saturday. Valleys and rural areas could dip even lower, increasing the likelihood of widespread frost formation.
The freeze spans dozens of counties across the Appalachian region, including Laurel, Pulaski, Pike, Perry, and Floyd counties. Early spring vegetation, fruit trees, and gardens face a high risk of damage or loss if left unprotected. Outdoor pipes and exposed plumbing could also freeze during the prolonged cold window.
Residents should cover sensitive plants, bring potted vegetation indoors, and wrap outdoor faucets before midnight. Farmers are urged to act quickly to reduce potential crop losses.
Temperatures are expected to recover by late Saturday morning, though additional cold weather alerts could follow into the weekend if conditions persist.
