Freeze Warning in effect for most of SE Texas through tomorrow at 9am
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Freeze Warning is in effect for much of southeast Texas until 9am this morning.
Many of us woke up to freezing temperatures. Look for sunshine and lighter winds, but highs only in the 50s this afternoon.
Temperatures begin to creep up starting tomorrow.
A big warm-up will commence the second half of the week with temperatures returning to the 70s. Moisture will increase as well, so several days of rain are expected.
COLD WEATHER TIPS:
Plants should not be covered more than two days. Do not use plastic or plastic tarps to cover your plants. Any plant that is tropical, like bougainvillea, hibiscus, plumeria-or cactus plants like aloe, should all be covered. For hardy plants like evergreens, covers are unnecessary.
When it comes to covering: weigh down blankets with bricks, tie straps, or small waited sinkers that people use for fishing.
If you have the option, move your potted plants indoors to either a garage or inside your home. If you don't have the option to move potted plants indoors, your next best bet is to place them against the house and cover them in that area. The radiant heat from the house will keep them somewhat protected.
When it comes to potted plants, move them first, then water them. If you water them first, then try to move them, they will be a lot heavier. And remember to water before a freeze.
If you have a heater for your swimming pool, turn it on. The surrounding plants could have a chance to be protected if the pool water is relatively warm. Also, some people use Christmas lights to cover their plants, then cover them with a blanket. This just brings the undercover temperature up a few degrees which could potentially protected them from harmful frost.
Stay with us for coverage of our dropping temperatures. Chief Meteorologist Tim Heller and Meteorologist Travis Herzog are following the Freeze Warning and will have the very latest on Eyewitness News throughout the night. And make sure to download the ABC-13 weather app to get audio alerts for watches and warnings in your area.
To find out which plants need to be covered, check this list
