Jacksonville, FL – Residents across southeast Georgia are urged to prepare for a potential cold snap as the National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Watch from late Monday night through Tuesday morning, signaling the risk of sub-freezing temperatures across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, temperatures could drop as low as 32 degrees, creating conditions capable of damaging sensitive vegetation and posing risks to pets and vulnerable populations. While confidence in exact temperatures is still developing, the watch highlights the potential for a widespread freeze.
Counties included in the Freeze Watch are Coffee, Jeff Davis, Bacon, Appling, Wayne, Atkinson, Pierce, Brantley, Echols, Clinch, Ware, and Charlton, including northern, southern, western, and northeastern portions of Ware and Charlton counties. Communities impacted include Waycross, Douglas, Baxley, Jesup, Folkston, Homerville, Alma, Pearson, and Nahunta, along with surrounding rural areas.
Forecasters advise residents to monitor future forecasts and updates, as the Freeze Watch may be upgraded to a Freeze Warning if confidence increases. Residents should take steps now to protect tender plants, including covering or bringing them indoors, and ensure outdoor pets have warm shelter.
The cold temperatures may also pose risks for young children, the elderly, and those without adequate heating. Community members are encouraged to check on neighbors and ensure heating sources are used safely.
A Freeze Watch means there is potential for sub-freezing temperatures, typically within the next 24 to 48 hours. Officials stress that early preparation can help prevent damage and protect lives.
For the latest updates, residents should follow weather.gov and official National Weather Service alerts.
