Freeze Warning Issued for Georgia and North Florida as Morning Temperatures Drop

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Freeze Warning for much of central and southern Georgia as well as northern Florida, as a blast of Arctic air sweeps across the Southeast to close out the year.

The warning is in effect from late Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning, with temperatures expected to fall into the mid to upper 20s in several areas. Some outlying rural regions could see even colder conditions overnight, posing potential risks to unprotected pipes, plants, and pets.

“This will be one of the coldest nights of the season so far,” said Rachel McNatt, a meteorologist with NWS Tallahassee. “We’re urging residents to take proper precautions before sunset—cover outdoor plants, bring pets indoors, and insulate exposed pipes.”

The Freeze Warning covers a broad swath of the Southeast, including cities like Valdosta, Macon, Savannah, Tallahassee, and Gainesville. While temperatures in these areas rarely dip this low, the dry Arctic air mass moving in behind a recent cold front is responsible for the sharp drop.

Tips for Staying Safe During the Freeze

• Protect sensitive vegetation by covering with breathable fabric or moving pots indoors.
• Keep pets indoors or provide warm shelter with blankets.
• Drip indoor faucets overnight to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Check on elderly neighbors or those who may not have adequate heating.

While these overnight lows aren’t expected to break records, they could cause problems for residents unaccustomed to dealing with frost and freeze impacts. This is especially true in northern Florida, where citrus crops and ornamental plants are vulnerable.

Local counties in both states have already issued cold-weather advisories, and some shelters in Tallahassee and Albany have extended hours to help those in need of warmth. Emergency management officials are also coordinating with utility companies to monitor the power grid in case of high overnight demand.

Forecasters expect temperatures to rebound slightly by Thursday afternoon, but another shot of cold air could arrive over the weekend, keeping the region on alert into early January.

“It’s not unusual to get cold snaps like this, but the timing—right around the holiday and New Year’s travel—means people need to be extra cautious,” McNatt added.

Drivers are also advised to watch for patches of black ice, particularly on bridges and…