Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia – Sub-freezing temperatures are possible late Saturday night into Sunday morning, prompting a Freeze Watch across a wide portion of the Florida–Georgia region.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, a Freeze Watch is in effect from late Saturday night through Sunday morning for inland northeast and northern Florida and southeast Georgia. Forecast lows could fall to around 30 degrees, cold enough to damage sensitive vegetation and pose risks to vulnerable populations.
In Florida, the watch includes areas such as Suwannee, Union, Bradford, Gilchrist, Baker, Nassau (inland), Columbia, Alachua (inland), Hamilton, Clay (western), Duval (western), and surrounding counties, including communities like Gainesville, Lake City, Live Oak, Macclenny, Starke, Jasper, Trenton, and High Springs.
In Georgia, affected counties include Coffee, Jeff Davis, Bacon, Appling, Wayne, Atkinson, Pierce, Brantley, Clinch, Ware, Charlton, Echols, Camden (inland), and Glynn (inland), impacting cities such as Waycross, Douglas, Baxley, Alma, Jesup, Homerville, Folkston, and Statenville.
While coastal areas may remain slightly warmer, inland locations are more likely to experience freezing temperatures as clear skies and light winds allow cold air to settle overnight.
The cold could pose a threat to tender plants, unprotected outdoor plumbing, and outdoor pets. Health officials also warn that young children, the elderly, and people without adequate shelter are especially vulnerable during cold overnight conditions.
Residents are encouraged to take steps now to protect sensitive vegetation, bring pets indoors, and check on neighbors who may need assistance. Additional cold-weather precautions may be needed if the watch is upgraded to a Freeze Warning.
Forecast updates and potential changes to the alert can be found at www.weather.gov/jax as the weekend approaches.
