Freeze warning issued for Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued freeze warnings for Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama as temperatures drop sharply overnight on Thursday. These cold conditions come after a week of strong winds and severe storms that affected the area. NWS meteorologists warn that temperatures will fall below freezing overnight, posing risks to plants, fruit trees, and plumbing. Areas in northcentral, northwest, and west central Georgia could see lows around 26 degrees Fahrenheit. In Mississippi, central and northeast regions are expected to dip to about 31 degrees. Northern Alabama may experience temperatures between 27 and 31 degrees. Frost advisories are also in place further south, including parts of the Florida panhandle. While temperatures will generally stay above freezing, frost can still develop and cause damage. NWS meteorologist Nicholas Fenner noted that the freezing temperatures are occurring later than usual, prompting the freeze warnings. Local NWS offices have urged residents to protect sensitive plants and plumbing from the cold. Looking ahead, the NWS suggests that warmer weather is on the way. A warming trend should begin over the weekend, with above-average temperatures expected in the coming days.