Charleston, WV – The National Weather Service in Charleston has issued a Freeze Watch for portions of northeast Kentucky, southeast Ohio, southwest Virginia, and southern West Virginia, effective late Thursday night through Friday morning, as temperatures could drop as low as 31 degrees.
According to the NWS, the affected areas include Greenup and Carter Counties in Kentucky; Athens, Jackson, Vinton, Meigs, Gallia, Lawrence, and Perry Counties in Ohio; Dickenson and Buchanan Counties in Virginia; and McDowell and Wyoming Counties in West Virginia.
Communities under the watch include Athens, Ironton, Grundy, Welch, Oak Hill, Gallipolis, and Flatwoods.
Forecasters warn that frost and freeze conditions could kill crops and sensitive vegetation while also posing a risk to unprotected outdoor plumbing. Residents are urged to cover plants, wrap pipes, and drain sprinkler systems before the cold sets in.
This could mark the first hard freeze of the season across parts of the Appalachian foothills and Ohio Valley, effectively ending the growing season for many agricultural and garden areas.
Clear skies and calm winds are expected to enhance cooling Thursday night, with temperatures rebounding into the low 50s Friday afternoon once the sun returns.
