HARD FREEZE warning Quartzsite, Bouse thru Monday!

Hard Freeze Warning In Effect Until 5 pm MST Monday.

Freeze Warning In Effect from 5 pm Monday to 9 am MST Tuesday.

The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a Hard Freeze Warning, which is in effect until 5 pm MST Monday. A Freeze Warning is also in effect from 5 pm Monday to 9 am MST Tuesday.

• Affected area: Quartzite And Bouse.
• Temperature: minimum temperatures generally in the lower 20s.
• Impacts: destruction of garden plants and vegetables, damage to landscaping plants and citrus trees, added hardship for homeless people and pets left outdoors, damage to exposed plumbing pipes.

PETS

• The Humane Society of Southern Arizona suggests that pet owners should either bring their animals indoors or make sure they have shelter with warm blankets to shield them from the cold.

• Pets need a place to sleep that is off the floor or ground and away from drafts.

• Dogs sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed should be taken outdoors only long enough to relieve themselves. Puppies do not tolerate the cold well.

• Dogs that spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities should be fed more, especially protein, to keep fur thick.

• Cats can freeze outside and should be kept indoors.

• Sometimes cats sleep under the hoods of cars, where it is warmer. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed in the fan belt. Before starting the engine, bang loudly on the hood to give a hiding cat a chance to escape.

PIPES

Homeowners are advised to cover exposed pipes with insulation or towels to prevent them from freezing and bursting.

It is also best to drain pipes or leave a tap dripping in the fixture farthest from the water heater, which allows water to run through the pipes during the night.

• Seal all areas that allow cold outside air to get in where pipes are located.

• Water pipes in attics may also need to be insulated.

• If your water pipe has frozen, be patient. There is no quick remedy. Pipes will need to gradually warm up. You can use a hair dryer on the frozen section to begin the warming process. Wave the warm air back and forth on the pipe.

• Do not pour hot water over a frozen pipe, or use open-flame torches.

• If there is a burst or water is already leaking from plumbing, turn off the water at the main supply valve.

PLANTS

• Nursery workers suggest that outdoor plants need to be protected from the harsh weather by covering them with blankets or nylon frost cloths. Do not cover plants with plastic.

• Plants should be well-watered for protection because the water insulates the entire plant.

• Styrofoam cups over the tips of cacti will stop frost damage on the new growth.

Freeze warning for Quartzsite and southern Arizona

Freeze Warning In Effect from midnight MST /11 pm pst/ tonight to 5 pm MST /4 pm pst/ Sunday.

Freeze Watch now in effect from Sunday afternoon
through Tuesday morning.
The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a Freeze Warning, which is in effect from midnight MST /11 pm pst/ tonight to 5 pm MST /4 pm pst/ Sunday. The Freeze Watch is now in effect from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday morning.

• Affected area: the greater Phoenix area including all outlying suburbs, Wickenburg, Gila Bend, Quartzsite, Buckeye, Casa Grande and Coolidge.
• Temperature: around 30 in the urban areas, low to mid 20s in the outlying areas. Similar temperatures are expected Sunday night and Monday night but there is still some uncertainty if clouds move into the area.
• Impacts: Extended freezing temperatures could cause damage to plants, irrigation pipes, and water lines going into homes.

Recommended actions

A Freeze Warning means Sub-freezing temperatures are imminent or highly likely. These conditions will destroy or damage crops and other sensitive vegetation.

A Freeze Watch means Sub-freezing temperatures are possible. These conditions could destroy or damage crops and other sensitive vegetation.

Excerpted from ready.govBefore:

Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:

• Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency for a complete list of recommended products.
• Sand to improve traction.
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
• Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

More about:

What to do before winter storms and extreme cold.

During:

Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack - a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.

Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.

Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.

Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.

More about:

What to do during winter storms and extreme cold.

What is a Freeze Warning?

A Freeze Warning is issued when significant, widespread freezing temperatures are expected. Minimum shelter temperature is forecast to be 32�F or less during the locally defined growing season. Source: nws.noaa.gov