Edhat Staff
Freeze warning remains in effect from 1 am to 9 am PST Wednesday.
* Temperature… low temperatures between 29 and 32 degrees are expected Wednesday morning.
* Impacts… sub-freezing temperatures can kill crops and sensitive vegetation, and harm outdoor pets and livestock. Extended exposure to cold can cause hypothermia.
Precautionary/preparedness actions: A freeze warning means temperatures 29 and 32 for two or more consecutive hours are imminent. Protective measures to save crops and sensitive vegetation should be taken. Vulnerable animals and pets should be kept indoors in a house or barn.
The National Weather Service has updated its previous forecast: A HARD FREEZE WARNING is now in effect for Santa Barbara County from 1 AM to 9 AM PST Tuesday and from 1 AM to 9 AM PST Wednesday. The Hard Freeze WATCH is no longer in effect. The WIND ADVISORY and the WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY remain in effect. The current forecast indicates that a small amount of rainfall is possible over the next several days but not enough to trigger flash flooding or debris flows.
*TEMPERATURE: Low temperatures between 24 and 28 degrees are expected Monday night and Tuesday morning in some areas. A repeat of this scenario will occur Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. A hard freeze can burst exposed pipes and kill crops or sensitive vegetation. Extended exposure to cold can cause hypothermia, including outdoor pets and livestock. Protective measures to save crops and sensitive vegetation should be taken. Vulnerable animals and pets should be kept indoors in a house or barn. Exposed pipes should be wrapped to keep them from bursting.
*RAINFALL: The NWS indicates that a few light showers are possible tonight through Wednesday morning (less than one-tenth of an inch) and notes that this does NOT meet the thresholds for flash flooding or debris flows in and around recent burn areas. There is no indication that evacuations of the public will be necessary during this storm event. County Officials, emergency agencies and the NWS will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.
*WINDS: Gusty winds and potentially icy roads remain a concern and can make for hazardous driving conditions, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution when driving. Also, gusty winds can cause trees/limbs to fall, downed power lines, and can cause some objects to become airborne. Secure any loose items that could blow away and avoid any downed lines.
*STAY INFORMED AND STAY SAFE: Staying informed before, during and after emergencies is important because it provides you with the information that you need to know so that you can take actions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Encourage family, friends and neighbors to register to receive notifications and alerts by going to AwareAndPrepare.org . More storm readiness information can be found on the Ready Santa Barbara County Website at http://readysbc.org .
