Waycross, Georgia – Temperatures are sliding below freezing across southeast Georgia before sunrise, and an even colder hard freeze will lock in by midnight, threatening pipes, crops and outdoor pets through 9 a.m. Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, a Freeze Warning remains in effect until 9 a.m. Monday for much of the region, including Coffee, Ware, Pierce, Brantley, Wayne, Glynn and Camden counties. Wind chills between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. will feel as cold as 19 degrees. Another Freeze Warning begins at midnight and continues until 9 a.m. Tuesday, when temperatures could drop to 25 degrees in inland communities, creating pockets of hard freeze conditions.
Cities including Douglas, Alma, Baxley, Jesup, Waycross, Kingsland and Folkston face the highest risk. Inland agricultural areas near Hazlehurst, Homerville and Blackshear could see frost damage to winter crops. Along the coast, St. Simons Island and Sea Island will dip below freezing, though marine influence may limit the coldest readings.
Residents should wrap exposed pipes, cover tender plants and bring pets indoors before midnight. Those without reliable heat can call 211 for shelter assistance. Freeze warnings remain in effect through 9 a.m. Tuesday, and additional advisories could follow if clear skies persist into midweek.
