Millions of Texans face property damage as temperatures drop

Millions of Texans are bracing for widespread property damage as a freeze warning remains in effect early Wednesday morning.

The National Weather Service issued the warning, warning residents in Terrell, Chisos Basin, Presidio Valley and lower Brewster County to prepare for freezing temperatures that could drop as low as 27 degrees Fahrenheit.

The NWS has issued freeze warnings across much of the region, warning that the extreme conditions “could kill crops and other sensitive vegetation and potentially damage unprotected outdoor utilities.”

The agency advises residents to cover outdoor faucets, unwind or drain water pipes and allow them to drain slowly to prevent freezing.

If you have sensitive plants, you should cover them to protect them from the harsh cold.
With temperatures expected to cause significant damage to crops, sensitive vegetation and outdoor facilities, the frost warning is expected to remain in effect until 9 a.m. (local time).

In areas such as Castolon, Dryden, Lajitas, Big Bend National Park, Presidio, Chisos Basin and Sanderson, residents are urged to take precautions to protect their property from the cold.

Freeze warnings were also issued across much of Central Texas, including the Tucson metropolitan area, San Antonio and Austin. Temperatures are expected to fall well below freezing, endangering vegetation, crops and unprotected outdoor properties.

Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing by Thursday night. The state’s highest forecast temperature for the next 48 hours is 65 degrees in Falfurrias on Wednesday.

In a post on “Cover the sensitive plants, check on your neighbors and bring the pets.”

The Texas Division of Emergency Management said in an X post: “Grab your coats, Texans! For many, the first frost may occur this evening. Temperatures of up to 20°C are possible in West, Central and Southeast Texas. You may also want to protect sensitive plants.”

Cold snaps in late spring and early fall can damage or kill crops, affecting farmers and residential crops. A frost occurs when temperatures fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and even at temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius, frost can form on clear, calm nights. Each plant species has a different tolerance to cold.

According to the NWS, the arrival of Arctic air can be dangerous. When combined with strong winds, dangerously low wind chill values ​​can occur. Prolonged exposure to extreme cold puts you at risk of frostbite and hypothermia, which can develop within minutes. Uncovered skin and extremities are also susceptible to frostbite.