Waycross, GA – Much of southeast Georgia will experience another round of freezing temperatures early Friday, with a Freeze Warning in effect from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. Friday, followed by a Freeze Watch late Friday night into Saturday morning. The National Weather Service in Jacksonville warns that temperatures may drop as low as 29 degrees during the coldest hours.
The alerts cover Coffee, Jeff Davis, Bacon, Appling, Wayne, Atkinson, Pierce, Brantley, Echols, Clinch, Northern Ware, Southern Ware, Northeastern Charlton and Western Charlton counties. Communities including Waycross, Douglas, Alma, Baxley, Jesup, Hoboken, Nahunta, Homerville, Pearson and Folkston will all be affected.
According to the National Weather Service, sub-freezing temperatures may damage or kill tender plants, and outdoor pets may be at risk without proper shelter. Officials also emphasize that children, the elderly and individuals experiencing homelessness are particularly vulnerable during extended cold periods.
Temperatures are expected to fall below freezing again late Friday night, with lows near 32 degrees possible into Saturday morning. Residents are encouraged to cover plants, bring pets indoors and check on neighbors who may be sensitive to the cold.
The cold snap follows a stretch of clear, dry weather across southeast Georgia, allowing temperatures to fall quickly overnight. Conditions will gradually moderate through the weekend.
