Freeze warning brings dangerous cold<\/p>\n
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.<\/strong> \u2013 Good morning! This is Meteorologist Katie Garner with The Weather Authority, and I want to talk directly to you about the cold weather gripping Jacksonville right now.<\/p>\n It\u2019s more than a chilly start\u2014it\u2019s dangerous out there. I don\u2019t use that word lightly, but the freeze warning in place for our entire area through 10 a.m. has everyone feeling the impact. The thermometer may barely nudge the freezing mark for some, but that\u2019s only half the story.<\/p>\n Exact Track 4D is showing hard freezes inland and right along the coast, and when I say it\u2019s cold, I mean it\u2019s the kind of cold that can affect your health if you\u2019re not careful.<\/p>\n Wind chills make it feel colder<\/p>\n The actual temperature is just one piece of the puzzle. The big story is the wind chill\u2014what it really feels like when you step outside. Even if you see readings close to 33 or 34 degrees on the coast, those wind chills are pushing the \u201cfeels like\u201d temperatures down to the 20s for almost everyone.<\/p>\n Wind gusts are expected in the teens, 20s, and even close to 30 mph. I walked outside early this morning and that blast of wind was a real wake-up call! If you have to head out, know it isn\u2019t just cold, it\u2019s biting cold.<\/p>\n Precautions for kids, pets, and plants<\/p>\n My main concern at 4:50 a.m. today was for kids at the bus stop. It\u2019s one thing for adults\u2014we know to layer up\u2014but little ones need hand warmers, gloves, scarves, and everything you can find. Please bundle them up if they have to be outside this morning.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget pets, either. I always recommend you limit their time outdoors during these freezes. Take a quick check of your pipes, too, just in case\u2014they can be at risk on mornings like this.<\/p>\n And for those of you with gardens, I hope you covered your plants before the cold set in. If not, it\u2019s likely they won\u2019t make it after this freeze.<\/p>\n