Freeze and Frost Warnings Issued for 11 States

A cold snap is about to seize the Midwest and New England, with frost advisories and freeze warnings in eleven states.
The freeze warnings were issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) across West Virginia, Pennsylvania, small areas of Virginia, and a tiny section of Maryland until 9 a.m. this morning.
Meanwhile, the frost advisories apply across large parts of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, New Jersey, New York, and select areas of Vermont, Massachusetts, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and Connecticut.
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“A frost advisory is issued when the minimum temperature is forecast to be 33 to 36 degrees on clear and calm nights during the growing season,” the NWS explained, while “a freeze warning is issued when significant, widespread freezing temperatures are expected.”
Temperatures are forecast to drop as low as 32 F in parts of Virginia, 31 F in Pennsylvania, and down to 29 F in West Virginia.
“Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 29,” the National Weather Service Charleston office said in the freeze warning notice for central, northeast, northern, and southeast West Virginia.
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“Sub-freezing temperatures in the upper 20s to lower 30s,” the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington D.C. office warned for western Maryland, northwest and western Virginia, and eastern West Virginia.
These cold conditions could threaten crops and plants around the region.
“Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing,” the NWS said. “Those with agricultural interests should protect sensitive vegetation.”
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Frost forms when temperatures drop below freezing. As water inside plant cells freezes, it expands, rupturing the cell walls, which leads to wilting, browning, or even death of plant tissue.
“Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold,” the NWS said.
The cold may also damage pipes and plumbing. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands, which creates pressure on the inner walls of the pipe. If the pressure becomes too great, it can cause the pipe to crack or burst, leading to leaks or significant water damage once the ice melts.
Weak spots in pipes, such as joints, bends, or areas that have been previously repaired, are more vulnerable to pressure buildup from ice formation, making them more likely to burst.
Pipes that remain stagnant or have slow water flow are also more prone to freezing. Moving water is less likely to freeze, which is why people often leave faucets dripping in extremely cold weather to prevent freezing.
“To prevent water pipes from freezing; wrap or drain or allow them to drip slowly,” the NWS advised.
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