The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued freeze warnings and frost advisories affecting nine states as a cold snap descends on the Northeast. These alerts are effective from Wednesday night into Thursday morning and cover New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Significant Cold Weather Alerts
Low temperatures this week are projected to be as much as 10 degrees below average. Derek Schroeter, an NWS meteorologist, stated that this cold weather is dangerous for crops and vulnerable infrastructure. Residents should prepare for potential damage from the freezing temperatures.
Details on the Warnings
- The alerts follow earlier warnings set in Maine and New Hampshire.
- Temperatures are expected to drop into the upper 20s.
- Specific counties under freeze warnings include:
- New York: Lewis, Northern Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie, Western Greene, Western Ulster, and Jefferson counties.
- Pennsylvania: Elk, McKean, Potter, Sullivan, Tioga, Cameron, and several others.
- West Virginia: Eastern Tucker County and several regions in Grant and Mineral counties.
- Vermont: Various sections, including portions of southern Vermont.
Frost Advisories Across Affected States
Frost advisories have been issued in several locations:
- NWS State College, PA: Forest and Jefferson counties.
- NWS Baltimore, MD: Garrett County, and Highland County in Virginia.
- NWS Buffalo, NY: Oswego, Jefferson, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties.
- NWS Binghamton, NY: Locations in central New York and northeast Pennsylvania.
Most warnings will begin at midnight and are expected to conclude by 8 or 9 a.m. local time on Thursday.
Protecting Your Gardens and Infrastructure
The NWS advises those in affected areas to take protective measures for sensitive outdoor vegetation. Steps include:
- Covering tender plants.
- Moving potted plants indoors.
- Draining or insulating outdoor plumbing systems.
Failure to take these precautions may lead to irreversible damage to sensitive plants and crops.
The Shift to Warmer Weather
This cold snap signals the end of the growing season for many regions. The good news is that after Thursday morning, a warming trend is projected for the weekend, with temperatures potentially reaching the 70s and even low 80s in some areas.
As a final note, residents are urged to stay informed and safeguard their crops and outdoor infrastructure as these significant cold weather alerts affect their regions.
